Integrated laundry care machine and operating method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washed clothes often become entangled and fall when being transferred from a front-load washing machine to a separate drying system, requiring additional time and physical effort, especially when handling large quantities.

Innovation Solution

An integrated laundry care machine with a vertically arranged washing and drying system, featuring a retractable plate that ascends and descends between the two units to facilitate efficient transfer of clothes, reducing the need for manual handling and preventing falls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If clothes are transferred manually from washing machine to drying system, then the transfer process is simple, but labor intensity increases and clothes may fall on the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of clothes transferVSAvoidtime for pick and place operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A transfer plate is introduced as an intermediary device between the washing machine and drying system. The plate receives clothes from the washing machine drum and transports them to the drying system, eliminating the need for manual pick-and-place operations and preventing clothes from falling on the ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer plate operates automatically to move clothes from the washing machine to the drying system without requiring manual intervention. The system performs the transfer operation itself, reducing labor intensity and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If independent clothing care systems are used, then each system can be optimized separately, but the transfer process becomes complex and physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem optimization independenceVSAvoidtransfer process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine and drying system are merged into an integrated unit with a unified transfer mechanism. The transfer plate is built into the integrated system, allowing clothes to move automatically between systems without external handling, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the combination of functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the plate extends and moves vertically, then the transfer distance is shortened, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclothes transfer efficiencyVSAvoidplate mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer plate employs a dynamic mechanism that allows it to extend horizontally and move vertically between the washing machine and drying system. This dynamic structure enables the plate to adapt its position for efficient clothes transfer while maintaining a relatively simple overall design through the use of guide rails and basic actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3527708B1Integrated laundry care machine and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO LTD
  • EP3527708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an integrated laundry care machine and an operating method thereof. The integrated laundry care machine comprises a cabinet (1), a washing system (2) and a clothing care system (3) disposed in the cabinet (1). A retractable plate (4) is disposed between the washing system (2) and the clothing care system (3). After being extended out, the plate (4) could ascend or descend along a height direction of the integrated laundry care machine. The plate (4) is provided to contain clothes taken out from the washing system (2), and transfer the laundry towards the clothing care system (3), it is advantageous for improving the work efficiency in moving the laundry from the washing system (2) to the clothing care system (3) and reduce labor intensity; further the plate (4) could contain the items accidentally dropped as being taken out from the washing system (2) or the clothing care system (3) and prevent from falling on the ground.