Dual-Drum Washing Machine With Independent Rotor Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drum-type washing machines are limited by a single drum configuration, restricting laundry movement to 2D and resulting in reduced washing effectiveness, increased washing time, and higher power consumption due to the lack of external forces for complex laundry movement.

Innovation Solution

A dual-drum washing machine design featuring a main drum and a sub drum that can rotate independently, connected by a dual-rotor driving motor and spiders, allowing for relative rotation and increased inner capacity, which enhances laundry movement to 3D and improves washing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single drum configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the laundry movement is limited to 2D resulting in reduced washing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoiddrum configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sub drum is nested inside the main drum, with the sub drum rotating on an inner shaft while the main drum rotates on an outer shaft. This nested configuration enables complex 3D laundry movement without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the sub drum utilizes the internal space of the main drum structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The washing drum is segmented into two independent rotating components: the main drum and the sub drum. Each drum can rotate independently in different directions and at different speeds, creating multiple movement dimensions for laundry that improve washing effectiveness beyond what a single drum could achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a dual-drum configuration is used, then laundry movement is enhanced to 3D improving washing efficiency, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddual-drum structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-rotor motor serves multiple functions: it independently drives both the main drum and sub drum through its two separate rotors, eliminating the need for two separate motors. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the productivity benefits of the dual-drum configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving mechanism is merged into a single dual-rotor motor unit that controls both drums. The motor housing, stator, and control system are combined into one integrated component, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall device structure despite the dual-drum configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the sub drum and sub drum spider are coupled with multiple bolts, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sub drum back and cylindrical portion are merged into a single integrated component through welding or forging. This eliminates the need for multiple bolts and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural strength through continuous material joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical fastening system (multiple bolts) is replaced with a welding or forging process that creates a monolithic structure. This substitution eliminates the need for fasteners and assembly operations, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring strong coupling between the sub drum components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dual-drum configuration enhances roundness and durability, reduces material costs, and facilitates more effective laundry processing by enabling complex movements, thereby improving washing efficiency and reducing washing time and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a driving motor configured to drive the main drum and the sub drum in an independent manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

Laundry moves along the inner circumferential surface of the drum by a centrifugal force due to rotation of the drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

the laundry may perform a falling motion from an upper side of the drum by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9605370B2Washing machine having dual-drum and assembly method thereof

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed are a washing machine having a dual-drum of a main drum and a sub drum, and an assembly method thereof. The washing machine comprises: a cabinet; a tub provided in the cabinet; a main drum rotatably mounted in the tub; a sub drum mounted in the main drum so as to perform a relative rotation with the main drum; a hollow type outer shaft connected to the main drum; an inner shaft connected to the sub drum in the outer shaft; and a driving motor, wherein the driving motor comprises: a stator; an outer rotor connected to the inner shaft, and rotated outside the stator; and an inner rotor connected to the outer shaft, and rotated inside the stator, and wherein the driving motor drives the main drum and the sub drum in an independent manner.