Inclined Laundry Drum Layout With Separate Storage Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines with drying functions have complex internal structures, requiring significant space and making it difficult to provide auxiliary storage space, while separate washing and drying machines also require large installation spaces and complicate loading processes.

Innovation Solution

A laundry treating apparatus with a washing machine and an optional drying machine, featuring a tilted drum and tub design that allows for a separate storage space and easier loading without bending, with the option to install either or both units based on available space, and a door that covers most of the inclined surface for efficient access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a drying function is added to a washing machine, then drying capability is improved, but the internal structure becomes complex and spatial utility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying capabilityVSAvoidinternal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the washing and drying functions into two independent machines: a washing machine and a drying machine. The drying machine includes a cabinet with a drying space and a storage space separated by a partition wall, allowing each function to be optimized independently without compromising the other's performance or increasing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a drying function is added to a washing machine, then drying capability is improved, but auxiliary storage space cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying capabilityVSAvoidauxiliary storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drying machine is divided into distinct functional zones using a partition wall: a drying space for the drying drum and a separate storage space for auxiliary items. This segmentation allows the machine to provide both drying capability and storage functionality without interfering with each other's space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes vertical space by creating multi-level storage areas within the storage space, including a lower storage area and an upper storage area accessible via a drawer. This dimensional approach maximizes storage capacity without increasing the machine's footprint or compromising the drying function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If a drawer is directly provided in the washing machine cabinet, then auxiliary space is provided, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary storage spaceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drying machine employs vertical stacking of storage areas to maximize space utilization. The drawer provides access to a lower storage area, while an upper storage area is positioned above it, creating efficient use of vertical space without increasing the machine's horizontal footprint or installation space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If the washing machine front is perpendicular to the ground, then structural simplicity is maintained, but loading becomes difficult without bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidloading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine drum is installed at an inclined angle rather than being perpendicular to the ground. This asymmetric positioning creates a tilted loading surface that naturally facilitates easier loading and unloading of laundry by reducing the bending required, while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through adjustable mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2565314B1Laundry treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2565314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2565314B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2565314B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

There is disclosed a laundry treating apparatus including a first treating device (110, 210) comprising a cabinet defining an exterior appearance thereof, with an opening (119, 219) to load and unload laundry there through, a first space (122) positioned in the cabinet to treat the laundry loaded through the opening and a door (114, 214) opening and closing the opening; a second treating device (113, 213) provided underneath the support part, the second treating device comprising a second space (112) to treat laundry, wherein a surface of the cabinet in which the opening is positioned comprises an incline part projected in a direction far from a front surface of the second treating device.