Laundry system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry processes are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring separate machines for washing, drying, and folding, with a need for an integrated solution that reduces both time and energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained apparatus with a spherical washing assembly, rotational movement, robotic arm for handling, and computer system for operational control, which includes a drying and folding mechanism, allowing for automated washing, drying, and folding of clothing within a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate machines are used for washing, drying, and folding, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the total time and energy required for laundry tasks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washing, drying, and folding functions into a single integrated laundry system. The washing machine includes an integrated drying assembly and folding assembly, allowing all three operations to be performed in one device rather than requiring separate machines, thereby reducing total processing time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The laundry system is designed as a multi-functional device where a single apparatus performs washing, drying, and folding operations. The system can execute these functions sequentially or in coordinated manner, making one device universal for multiple laundry tasks that traditionally required separate dedicated machines.
2Reliability
If separate machines are used for washing, drying, and folding, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the total energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washing, drying, and folding functions into a single integrated laundry system. The washing machine includes an integrated drying assembly and folding assembly, allowing all three operations to be performed in one device rather than requiring separate machines, thereby reducing total processing time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing where washing, drying, and folding operations can be performed in seamless sequence without removing laundry from the device. The robotic arm transfers garments between assemblies without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action and reducing energy waste associated with idle time between operations.
3Ease of operation
If manual folding is performed, then flexibility in handling different clothing types is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The folding assembly includes a robotic arm with gripper that automatically handles and folds laundry without human intervention. The system serves itself by performing the folding operation autonomously after washing and drying, eliminating manual labor while maintaining adaptability to handle different clothing types through programmed sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm and gripper provide dynamic, adaptable handling of various clothing items. The system can adjust its manipulation sequences based on the type of garment being processed, providing flexibility similar to manual handling while achieving much higher speeds and consistency through automated control.
4Reliability
If multiple separate machines are used, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drying assembly is positioned within the washing machine drum area, and the folding assembly is integrated into the same housing. Components are nested and arranged to maximize space utilization, with the robotic arm serving all functions from a central position, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A clothing apparatus having a container being of a rectangular configuration. A clothing cleaning assembly is located within the container. The clothing cleaning assembly has a spherical configuration and a hollow interior configured to receive dirty laundry for washing. A rotational assembly is connected to the clothing cleaning assembly to provide rotation to the clothing cleaning assembly to provide movement during the wash cycle. A robotic arm assembly is located within the container and having at least one robotic arm having a plurality of fingers configured to grip articles of clothing attached at an operational end of the at least one robotic arm. The at least one robotic arm is configured to transport the articles of clothing within the container. At least one computer system is located within the container and is configured to provide operational control to the clothing apparatus.