Dual-Unit Drum Washing Machine for Load-Adaptive Water and Energy Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines consume excessive water and electricity when washing small loads, as they are designed for larger loads and lack efficient mechanisms for handling smaller laundry amounts.

Innovation Solution

A dual-unit washing machine design featuring a main washing unit for large loads and a sub-washing unit integrated into the main door, which includes a sub-water tub, pulsator, and motor for efficient washing and dehydration of small loads, allowing for flexible operation with reduced resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-sized rotating tub is used to wash large laundry such as comforters, then the washing machine can handle large loads, but water and electricity are used excessively when washing only small amounts of laundry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing capacityVSAvoidwater and electricity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two independent washing units: a main washing unit with a large rotating tub for large loads, and a sub-washing unit with a small pulsator for small loads. Each unit can operate independently, allowing the user to select only the necessary unit based on the load size, thereby avoiding excessive water and electricity consumption when washing small amounts of laundry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a single large washing tub is used, then large laundry can be washed effectively, but the washing machine cannot efficiently handle small amounts of laundry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidload size flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine is designed with dual washing units that can handle different load sizes. The main washing unit handles large loads while the sub-washing unit handles small loads, making the washing machine universally applicable to various washing needs from single items to large comforters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient washing of both large and small loads by optimizing water and energy consumption through the use of a main washing unit for larger loads and a sub-washing unit for smaller loads, minimizing resource usage.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsator rotatably installed in the sub-water tub and a sub-driving motor to rotate the pulsator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

a cylindrical rotating tub which is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction so that the laundry is pulled upward and then dropped down in accordance with a rotation of the rotating tub, thereby the laundry is washed by a head drop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational head drop: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11414801B2Drum washing machine

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine comprises a housing including a main inlet on a front surface thereof, a main washing unit disposed in the housing, a main door opening and closing the inlet, and a sub-washing unit disposed in the main door and provided with a pulsator. A large amount of laundry can be washed through the main washing unit and a small amount of laundry can be washed through the sub-washing unit, so that washing can be efficiently performed according to the amount of laundry.