Expandable Nested Basket for Laundry Separation and Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry appliances often require multiple smaller loads due to insufficient capacity for separating clothes, leading to inefficient use of space and laundry processing.

Innovation Solution

A removable laundry basket with a first and second arcuate body that can rotate between nested and expanded positions, allowing for increased capacity and flexibility in loading and unloading laundry within the appliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a single large laundry basket is used, then the laundry capacity is increased, but the ability to separate different types of laundry (whites, darks, delicates) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry capacityVSAvoidlaundry separation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The laundry basket is divided into multiple separable compartments or sections that can be independently removed. Each compartment can hold different types of laundry (whites, darks, delicates), while the total capacity remains equivalent to a large single basket. The compartments can be attached together to form a complete basket or separated for targeted washing of specific laundry types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple smaller laundry baskets are used to separate clothes, then laundry separation is improved, but the total laundry capacity and space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry separation capabilityVSAvoidtotal laundry capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple smaller laundry compartments are designed to interconnect and merge into a single large basket structure when full laundry loads are needed. The compartments share common walls and can be joined together to maximize space utilization in the washing machine, while still maintaining the ability to separate them for smaller, sorted loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If a removable basket is added inside the drum, then additional laundry capacity and separation are achieved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry capacityVSAvoidbasket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable basket incorporates flexible elements such as collapsible sides or adjustable compartments that can be easily compressed for removal and expansion for use. This dynamic design allows the basket to adapt to different loading scenarios while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the need for complex rigid mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the second arcuate body is rotatable between nested and expanded positions, then the volume and flexibility are improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasket volumeVSAvoidrotational positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational mechanism for the second arcuate body is designed with self-aligning features such as cam profiles, detent mechanisms, or gravity-assisted positioning that naturally guide the component to its correct position during assembly and operation. This reduces the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances while ensuring reliable nested and expanded positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS11851809B2Removable basket for laundry appliance

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 WHIRLPOOL CORP

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.