Dual-Drum Laundry Machine Layout for Small Loads and Delicates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry machines are inefficient for washing small amounts of laundry, requiring multiple cycles, excessive energy consumption, and are unsuitable for delicate items due to their large capacity and size, leading to issues with cleanliness and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A multiple laundry machine system comprising multiple units, including a fixed-state washing machine and a rotating drum machine, with a controller for independent operation, allowing for separate washing of different types of laundry and re-use of wash water, optimizing energy use and space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various laundry loads, but energy consumption increases and washing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry load capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers: a large-capacity drum for general laundry and a small-capacity drum for delicate items. Each chamber can operate independently, allowing users to wash small amounts of laundry in the small drum without consuming excessive energy, while the large drum remains available for bulk washing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various laundry loads, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry load capacityVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various laundry loads, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry load capacityVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash delicate clothes, then the washing machine can handle all types of laundry, but washing quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry type compatibilityVSAvoidwashing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each washing chamber is equipped with different washing mechanisms and control parameters optimized for its intended use. The small drum uses gentler washing motions and lower speeds suitable for delicate fabrics, while the large drum provides more vigorous washing for sturdier materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

5Productivity

If multiple small-size washing machines are equipped and arranged laterally, then small amount laundry can be washed frequently, but space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing frequencyVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Two washing drums of different capacities are combined into a single integrated machine housing, sharing common structural components, control systems, and space. This allows the machine to provide both small-load and large-load washing capabilities while occupying the space of a single appliance rather than two separate machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The washing drums are arranged vertically one above the other rather than side-by-side, utilizing the vertical dimension of the machine housing. This stacked configuration maximizes space utilization while maintaining independent operation of each drum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8215136B2Laundry machine having multiple laundry treatment devices

Publication Date: 2012.07.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads.