Partitioned Laundry Cabinet Airflow for Auxiliary Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry machines lack enhanced laundering efficiency and a visually appealing design, with existing solutions not effectively utilizing space or providing efficient airflow for both main and auxiliary laundry treatments.

Innovation Solution

A laundry machine with a single partition wall dividing the cabinet into a main washing space and an auxiliary treatment space, featuring an air supply unit that supplies air from the main space to the auxiliary space, enhancing airflow distribution and simplifying assembly and design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single partition wall is used to divide the cabinet into main and auxiliary spaces, then device complexity is reduced and assembly is simplified, but space utilization and airflow distribution may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartition structure complexityVSAvoidlaundry treatment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single partition wall is segmented into multiple sections with different functions: a first section forms the base of the main washing space while a second section forms the top cover of the auxiliary treatment space. This segmentation allows the partition to serve multiple spatial functions simultaneously, optimizing space utilization without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural divider, a base for the main washing space, a top cover for the auxiliary space, and an integration point for the air supply unit. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining effective space division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the air supply unit is integrated into the partition wall, then space utilization is optimized and exterior appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabinet space utilizationVSAvoidpartition wall manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply unit is nested within a recess portion formed in the partition wall, allowing it to be integrated into the existing structure without adding external bulk. This nesting approach optimizes space utilization and improves exterior appearance while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple by utilizing the recess rather than requiring complex external modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If air is supplied from the main space to the auxiliary space, then airflow distribution is optimized, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow distribution efficiencyVSAvoidair energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply system is designed to continuously draw air from the main washing space and supply it to the auxiliary treatment space through the partition wall integration. This continuous airflow path maintains constant air circulation and treatment without interruption, optimizing productivity while the direct path through the partition minimizes unnecessary energy loss compared to separate external air supply systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution improves laundering efficiency by optimizing space utilization, providing effective airflow for both main and auxiliary treatments, and simplifying assembly while maintaining a visually appealing design.

Implementation Method 1

an air supply unit provided at the single partition wall, the air supply unit for supplying air to the auxiliary space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow:

Data Source

PatentEP2113595B1Laundry machine
Publication Date: 2011.11.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2113595B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2113595B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2113595B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laundry machine includes a cabinet (10) and a partition wall (16) dividing an inner space of the cabinet (10) into a first space (12) for main laundry treatment and a second space (14) for auxiliary laundry treatment. An air supply unit (40) is provided outside of the second space (14) and supplies a downward airflow into the second space (14).