Combination washing and drying apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combined washing and drying systems are not efficient or suitable for a one-stage process, requiring manual transfer of laundry from washing machines to drying machines, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A combination washing and drying apparatus with a unitary housing containing a washing assembly and drying assembly connected by a continuous belt, featuring concentric sleeves that open and close to facilitate automatic transfer of laundry, actuated by a single button, allowing for simultaneous washing and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dedicated washing machine and dedicated drying machine are used separately, then washing and drying functions are performed effectively, but manual transfer of laundry between machines is required which is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a washing machine and drying machine into a single integrated unit with a unitary housing. The washing assembly and drying assembly are positioned within the same housing and connected by a continuous belt conveyor, allowing automatic transfer of laundry between washing and drying drums without manual intervention, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual transfer while maintaining effective washing and drying functions.
2Reliability
If concentric sleeves are used to block openings, then laundry containment is improved during washing and drying, but the mechanism complexity increases with movable concentric sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs concentric sleeves where one sleeve is positioned inside another. The first washer sleeve and second washer sleeve are concentric, as are the first dryer sleeve and second dryer sleeve. These nested sleeves can move relative to each other to block or open apertures, providing reliable laundry containment while using a compact nested structure that minimizes space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric sleeves are designed to be movable between blocked and open configurations. The second washer sleeve can move to block the bottom opening during washing, then open to allow gravity-fed transfer to the conveyor. Similarly, the second dryer sleeve moves to block the side opening during drying, then opens to receive laundry from the conveyor. This dynamic movement provides reliable containment only when needed while simplifying the transfer process.
3Ease of operation
If a continuous belt conveyor is used for automatic transfer, then manual labor is eliminated, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous belt conveyor acts as an intermediary mechanism between the washing assembly and drying assembly. It receives laundry automatically from the washing drum through the bottom opening when the second washer sleeve opens, conveys it horizontally through the housing, and deposits it into the drying drum through the side opening when the second dryer sleeve opens. This intermediary conveyor eliminates manual transfer while integrating smoothly within the unitary housing structure.
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
Enables efficient, automated washing and drying of laundry with a single activation button, eliminating the need for manual transfer and reducing the overall time and effort required for the laundry process.
Implementation Method 1
A conveyor assembly includes a continuous belt operably movable when energized for conveying the laundry between the washing and drying assemblies
Implementation Method 2
an open configuration allowing laundry to fall via gravity from the washer drum onto the conveyor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A combination washing and drying apparatus includes a housing defining a singular interior area. A washing assembly positioned in the housing includes a washer drum having a first and second concentric washer sleeves movable between a closed configuration at which a bottom opening defined by the first washer sleeve is blocked by the second washer sleeve and an open configuration in which the bottom opening is not blocked for releasing the clothing from the first washer sleeve. A drying assembly is positioned in the housing and includes a dryer drum having first and second concentrically aligned dryer sleeves defining a side opening and being movable between a closed configuration blocking the side opening and an open configuration allowing the clothing to be inserted into the dryer drum. A conveyor assembly includes a continuous belt operably movable when energized for conveying the clothing between the washing and drying assemblies.