Laundry processing apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry treatment apparatuses face challenges in improving washing performance while minimizing the volume of the laundry accommodation unit, which affects the amount of water and laundry that can be handled.

Innovation Solution

A laundry treatment apparatus design that includes a power transmission unit with a rotating shaft, agitator, and drum configuration, where the agitator and drum are rotated together in the same direction after the agitator has rotated a predetermined number of times, utilizing a stator and rotor for magnetic field generation and a power transmission mechanism with oilless bearings to minimize volume and enhance washing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the volume of the laundry accommodation unit is increased to improve washing performance, then the washing performance is improved, but the volume of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidvolume of laundry accommodation unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the agitator to rotate independently before the drum rotates, creating a dynamic washing sequence. The power transmission unit allows the agitator to perform a predetermined number of rotations within the drum before the drum itself rotates, optimizing washing performance through controlled motion sequences rather than static configuration alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the alternating rotation pattern where the agitator rotates for a predetermined number of times, then the drum rotates in the same direction. This periodic sequence of agitator-only rotation followed by combined rotation creates efficient washing cycles that maximize cleaning effectiveness within the compact volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

This configuration enhances washing performance while maintaining a minimized volume, allowing for effective laundry handling and processing without increasing the apparatus's size.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a stator and rotor for magnetic field generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

power transmission mechanism with oilless bearings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3406784B1Laundry processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3406784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406784B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406784B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laundry processing apparatus comprising: a tub for storing water and provided with an opening for putting in and taking out laundry; a drum, provided in the interior of the tub, for storing the laundry supplied through the opening; an agitator rotatably provided inside the drum; a rotating shaft connected to the agitator by penetrating the tub and drum; a driving part for rotating the rotating shaft; a connecting part provided with a connecting body fixed to the drum, and a body-penetrating hole which is provided so as to penetrate the connecting body and through which the rotating shaft is inserted; and a power transmission part moving back and forth inside the body-penetrating hole when the rotation shaft is rotating, and when same has rotated by a previously set number of times, transferring the power supplied by the rotating shaft to the connecting body.