Laundry Drain Structure to Prevent Backflow in Dual Washers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional large-capacity washing machines are inefficient for washing different types of laundry with varying loads, leading to increased energy and water consumption, and are unsuitable for delicate items or frequent small loads, necessitating the need for a smaller capacity washing machine that also optimizes space usage.

Innovation Solution

A dual laundry treating device system comprising a first and second independently operable washing machine, where the first is a front-loading type and the second is a top-loading type, both connected to a shared control panel and water supply system, with independent heating and draining mechanisms to optimize energy use and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash different types of laundry with varying loads, then the washing capacity is sufficient, but energy consumption and water consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers (first washing chamber and second washing chamber) with independent heating and washing systems. This allows different types of laundry to be washed simultaneously in separate chambers, avoiding the need to run a single large chamber multiple times, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining washing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a large-capacity washing machine is used for small amounts of laundry, then the washing function is available, but space utility decreases and energy efficiency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing function availabilityVSAvoidspace utility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into two separate washing chambers (first washing chamber and second washing chamber) with independent heating and washing systems. This allows different types of laundry to be washed simultaneously in separate chambers, avoiding the need to run a single large chamber multiple times, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining washing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If draining pipes from multiple washing machines are connected to a common drain, then space is saved, but water backflow occurs between machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedraining spaceVSAvoidwater backflow
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The draining system is segmented into separate draining pipes for each washing chamber, with each pipe connected to the sewer independently. This prevents water backflow between chambers while maintaining compact space utilization through vertical pipe arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single washing machine operates multiple times to wash different types of laundry, then washing versatility is achieved, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing versatilityVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Two washing chambers are merged into a single integrated appliance with shared control systems and support structures. This allows simultaneous operation of both chambers, enabling different types of laundry to be washed at the same time, thereby reducing total washing time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simultaneous washing of different laundry types with reduced energy consumption and improved cleanliness, while minimizing space requirements by using a dual machine setup that adapts to load size and type, preventing water backflow through strategic pipe positioning.

Implementation Method 1

At least a portion of each of the first and second draining pipes is positioned at a level higher than the joining point in a region upstream from an end of the associated first or second draining pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8418511B2Drain structure for laundry treating device
Publication Date: 2013.04.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8418511B2 patent drawing
  • US8418511B2 patent drawing
  • US8418511B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laundry machine includes a first laundry treating device, and a second laundry treating device arranged adjacent to the first laundry treating device. The second laundry treating device is operable independently of the first laundry treating device. A first draining pipe guides water discharged from the first laundry treating device, and a second draining pipe guides water discharged from the second laundry treating device. A joining pipe is connected to the first and second draining pipes at a joining point.