Removable foldable laundry basket storable beneath the washing machine door

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry baskets are large, difficult to store, and often cause clothes to fall out, requiring users to fetch them from a distance, and existing solutions like semi-rigid bags attached to washing machines are not removable or convenient for storage.

Innovation Solution

A foldable laundry basket with hinged sides and a base, secured to the washing machine door using magnets or suction cups, allowing easy folding and unfolding, and featuring a closure system to prevent accidental opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional laundry basket is used, then clothes can be collected after washing, but the basket is large and difficult to store in small homes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebasket sizeVSAvoidstorage convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The basket is divided into multiple hinged segments (sides and base) that can fold relative to each other, transforming the basket from a large rigid structure to a compact folded state for storage beneath the washing machine door

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The basket incorporates hinges and movable joints that allow it to dynamically change shape between an expanded functional state for collecting laundry and a collapsed storage state that fits in small spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a traditional laundry basket is used, then clothes can be deposited, but clothes often fall out of the basket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclothes containmentVSAvoidbasket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system merges the basket lid and frame into an integrated structure where the lid automatically engages with the frame through aligned guides and lugs, providing reliable clothes containment without complex separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system is designed to automatically engage and lock when the lid is placed on the basket, with self-aligning features that guide the lid into position and activate the locking mechanism without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a support accessory is installed on top of the washing machine to hold a basket, then easy access to clothes is achieved, but the basket cannot be stored beneath the washing machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclothes accessVSAvoidstorage location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine door serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting surface for the basket during washing (providing easy access) and as a storage location when the basket is folded beneath it, eliminating the need for separate support accessories

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

The basket provides a secure, compact storage solution beneath the washing machine door, preventing clothes from falling and enabling easy transport and storage without the need for additional space, enhancing convenience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic attachment means are designed to secure the basket to the washing machine door

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic attachment means or suction cup attachment means are designed to secure the basket to the washing machine door

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4632141A1Removable foldable laundry basket storable beneath the washing machine door
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 NANCY ADAM SL
  • EP4632141A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4632141A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4632141A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A removable foldable laundry basket storable beneath the washing machine door, comprising two long sides (1), two short sides (2), and a base (3), where each short side (2) comprises two parts (4) that are hinged at their center by a hinge system (5) located in the middle of each short side (2), the base (3) comprises two halves (6) connected by at least one hinge (7) between the halves (6), the base (3) is hinged to the lower part of one long side (1), and the short sides (2) are hinged to the long sides (1), one long side (1) comprises removable fastening means encapsulated in silicone (10) configured to attach one long side to the washing machine, where one long side (1) is capable of being connected to the other long side (1), enclosing both the base (3) and the short sides (2) between the long sides (1).