Expandable Nested Basket for Laundry Drum Load Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry appliances often require multiple, full loads to efficiently separate clothes, but smaller loads are common, leading to the need for separate baskets that are not always sufficient in size or convenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A removable laundry basket with a first and second arcuate body that can rotate between a nested and expanded position, allowing for increased capacity and ease of use by coupling to a drum within the appliance, enabling the washing of two separate loads simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a smaller basket is used to accommodate smaller loads, then the basket can fit smaller loads, but the basket capacity is insufficient for full loads
Solution Approach 1:
The basket employs a dynamic expansion mechanism where the second arcuate body can rotate between a nested position (reducing volume) and an expanded position (increasing volume). This dynamic transformation allows the basket to adapt its capacity from a compact state suitable for small loads to an expanded state capable of holding full loads, resolving the contradiction between fixed small capacity and adaptability to different load sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket utilizes a nested configuration where the second arcuate body can be positioned inside or alongside the first arcuate body in the nested state, minimizing the overall footprint. When expanded, the nested components unfold to provide increased capacity. This nesting principle enables the basket to transition between compact and expanded states, addressing both the need for small-load accommodation and full-load capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable basket is added to the drum, then the functionality to wash separate loads is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is divided into separate arcuate bodies (first and second arcuate bodies) that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows the complex functionality of a removable, expandable basket to be achieved through simpler, modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to wash separate loads simultaneously.
3Quantity of substance
If the basket is expanded within the drum, then the capacity is increased, but the space available in the drum is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The basket's dynamic expansion capability allows it to adjust its volume based on the specific laundry load requirements. When a small load is being washed, the basket remains in a compact nested state, preserving maximum drum space. When a larger load requires separation, the basket expands to provide adequate capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching basket volume to actual needs rather than occupying fixed space.
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 a convenient and space-efficient way to wash multiple loads by allowing the basket to expand within the drum, accommodating smaller loads and enhancing user accessibility and appliance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The second arcuate body is rotatable between a nested position and an expanded position
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance including a cabinet that defines an opening to access an interior. A drum is positioned within the interior of the cabinet. A removable basket is selectively coupled to the drum and includes a first arcuate body that is coupled with a second arcuate body. The second arcuate body is rotatable between a nested position and an expanded position.