Dual-Drum Laundry Washer Layout for Small-Load Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading laundry treatment apparatuses have a low insert port, requiring users to bend when loading or unloading laundry, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for convenient washing of small quantities of laundry without increasing installation complexity or costs.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus comprising a main washing device and a secondary washing device, where the secondary device includes a tub, a rotatable drum, and a pulsator that rotates due to wash water and laundry motion, with a motor-driven drum and a pulsator connector system that transfers driving force to the drum without the pulsator, allowing for efficient washing of small loads without additional complex components like clutches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a front-loading laundry treatment apparatus is installed directly on the floor, then the installation position is low and easy to access, but the insert port is too low requiring users to bend their bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing a secondary washing device inside the support structure beneath the main washing device. This allows the main device to be positioned at an optimal height while the secondary device provides additional functionality in the otherwise wasted space below, effectively solving the height contradiction without requiring users to bend.
2Length of stationary object
If a support is added beneath the front-loading laundry treatment apparatus to position it vertically higher, then the insert port height is improved, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the main washing device at the correct height, and simultaneously houses the secondary washing device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing installation complexity while maintaining proper positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an additional secondary washing device is installed in the support, then the ability to wash small quantities of laundry is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary washing device is nested within the support structure of the main washing device, utilizing the existing structural space. This nesting approach allows the system to provide dual washing capabilities (main device for large loads, secondary device for small loads) without requiring a completely separate installation, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
4Productivity
If a pulsator is driven by a motor through a pulsator connector, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsator is designed to rotate automatically based on the motion of wash water and laundry within the drum, without requiring a direct motor connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex motor-pulsator drive systems while still achieving effective pulsating action for washing, thereby reducing component complexity and manufacturing costs.
5Productivity
If the pulsator continues rotating due to inertia after the drum stops, then the washing action is enhanced, but the energy control becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The washing cycle utilizes periodic drum rotation followed by controlled stopping, allowing the pulsator to continue rotating due to inertia during the deceleration phase. This periodic action enhances washing effectiveness without requiring continuous energy input, as the system naturally utilizes the momentum built during rotation phases.
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 solution provides improved user convenience by allowing the main washing device to be installed at a higher position, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances washing efficiency by generating a vortex to prevent tangling, while maintaining a compact structure and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsator rotatably provided in the drum and configured to be rotated by motion of one or both of the wash water and the laundry that are received in the drum
Implementation Method 2
the pulsator may be configured to, based on the rotation of the drum stopping after a period of rotation, continue rotating in the same direction as the previous rotation direction of the drum for a predetermined time due to inertia
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus for treating laundry includes a main washing device and a secondary washing device. The secondary washing device includes a tub configured to receive wash water, a drum rotatably provided in the tub and configured to receive laundry, and a pulsator rotatably provided in the drum and configured to be rotated by motion of one or both of the wash water and the laundry that are received in the drum.