Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require multiple operations to separate and wash different types of laundry, leading to longer operating times even for small loads, as they typically have a single washer configuration.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a first housing with an open top and a second housing with an open bottom, connected via a coupling structure including a fixing bracket and suspending devices, allowing for the integration of both front-loading and top-loading washers in a single unit, with separate tubs and drums for efficient laundry separation and washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single washer configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to multiple operations required for separating and washing different types of laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a first washer and a second washer into a single integrated washing machine. The first housing contains a first tub for front-loading operation, while the second housing contains a second tub for top-loading operation. Both washers are coupled together through connection parts, allowing simultaneous or separate operation to handle different types of laundry in one machine, thereby improving productivity without requiring multiple separate machines.
2Productivity
If multiple washers are integrated into one machine, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to coupling structures between housings
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into distinct modular units: a first housing containing a first tub and motor, and a second housing containing a second tub and motor. Each housing can be independently assembled and tested before being coupled together. The connection parts provide standardized interfaces that simplify the integration process, making the complex multi-washer system manageable through segmentation into functional modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If front-loading and top-loading washers are combined, then the adaptability increases for different laundry types, but the volume of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking arrangement where the second housing is positioned above the first housing, with the second tub suspended over the first tub. This vertical configuration allows both front-loading and top-loading capabilities to be integrated in a compact footprint, reducing the horizontal volume occupation while maintaining adaptability for different laundry types through the dual-access design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine including a plurality of washers may include a fixing bracket coupled to a front of a first housing in which a first tub is disposed and a front of a second housing in which a second tub is disposed, to prevent the first housing and the second housing from being separated from each other.