Dual-drum washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require multiple cycles to wash different types of clothes, leading to inefficiencies in time, energy consumption, and space utilization, as they are not suited for small loads, which can result in clothes being left unwashed for long periods, causing dirt adhesion and difficulty in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A dual-drum washing machine design where the first and second outer drums are connected through a shared damping apparatus and a connector, reducing the number of components and increasing stability, while also integrating counterweights to enhance compactness and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate washing machines are disposed to wash different types of clothes, then washing efficiency and adaptability are improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to increased device volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the first washing drum inside the second washing drum, creating a nested structure where the smaller drum is positioned within the larger drum's interior space. This nesting arrangement allows both drums to occupy the same spatial envelope, effectively doubling washing capacity without proportionally increasing the machine's external dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between washing adaptability and space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two washing machines into a single integrated unit with shared structural components including the frame, damping apparatus, and control system. By merging the two machines' functions into one device while maintaining independent drum operation, the invention achieves enhanced washing versatility without requiring separate physical spaces for each machine
2Stability of the object's composition
If two separate damping mechanisms are used for each washing drum, then vibration control is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the damping functions for both washing drums into a single shared damping apparatus. This unified damping system is positioned to simultaneously support and stabilize both the first and second washing drums, reducing the total number of damping components from two separate mechanisms to one integrated system, thereby decreasing device complexity while maintaining vibration control
Solution Approach 2:
The shared damping apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to serve both washing drums simultaneously. The damping mechanism incorporates structural elements that can absorb and mitigate vibrations from either or both drums during operation, making a single component perform the function of what would traditionally require two separate damping systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large-scale washing machine is used for small amounts of clothes, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption and washing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing capacity into two separate drums of different sizes, allowing users to select the appropriate drum size matching the load amount. The first washing drum accommodates smaller loads while the second drum handles larger loads, enabling energy-efficient operation by running only the necessary drum size rather than always operating the full-capacity machine, thus resolving the contradiction between load adaptability and energy consumption
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 washing machine effectively addresses inefficiencies by allowing for simultaneous washing of different types of clothes in a single cycle, reducing energy consumption, and optimizing space, while maintaining stability and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
the first outer drum and the second outer drum that are connected to each other are connected to the frame through a shared damping apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-drum washing machine includes a first outer drum and a second outer drum mounted in a frame, wherein the first outer drum is connected to the second outer drum via a connector to form an integral structure. The first outer drum and the second outer drum connected to each other are connected to the frame (1) via a shared damping apparatus. The damping apparatus has a first damping device used for connecting the first outer drum to the frame, a second damping device used for connecting the second outer drum to the frame, and a third damping device used for connecting the first outer drum or the second outer drum to a middle cross beam which is disposed on the frame.