Laundry Washing Machine Array Layout to Reduce Pump Queuing Delays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-washing machine setups, simultaneous or nearly simultaneous use of adjacent machines can lead to queuing delays and improper application of laundry treatment compositions, resulting in prolonged cycle times and potential damage to laundry due to incorrect timing of detergent and other additives.
Innovation Solution
Arrange laundry washing machines such that adjacent machines are connected to different pump systems, ensuring their operator sides are out of alignment by less than 90 degrees, reducing the likelihood of simultaneous calls on the same pump system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple laundry washing machines are connected to the same pump system, then device complexity is reduced, but queuing delays occur when machines call for products simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pump resources by creating virtual queues for different laundry washing machines. Instead of physically separating pump systems, the patent divides the single pump system's service capacity into multiple queues, allowing simultaneous product delivery to multiple machines without physical complexity. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining device simplicity while eliminating queuing delays through logical segmentation of service streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning laundry treatment products in the pump system before they are needed by the laundry washing machines. The system anticipates product needs and prepares deliveries in advance, so when multiple machines call for products simultaneously, the pump system can fulfill multiple requests without queuing delays. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time while keeping the physical system simple.
2Reliability
If laundry washing machines are programmed to pause while waiting for product delivery, then product application timing is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by delivering laundry treatment products to the pump system in advance of when they are needed by the laundry washing machines. This pre-positioning ensures that products are ready for immediate delivery when required, eliminating the need for machines to pause and wait. The timing reliability is maintained because products are prepared beforehand, while cycle time is reduced because no waiting pauses are necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rushing through the product delivery process using the pre-positioned products in the pump system. Instead of allowing machines to pause and wait (which would extend cycle time), the system rapidly delivers products that are already prepared and positioned, skipping the waiting period entirely. This maintains reliable timing while minimizing the duration of the laundry cycle.
3Device complexity
If a single pump system serves multiple laundry washing machines, then device complexity is reduced, but product delivery reliability decreases during simultaneous calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the product delivery process into multiple virtual queues within the single pump system. Each laundry washing machine has its own dedicated queue, allowing the pump system to manage multiple simultaneous product delivery requests without confusion or failure. This logical segmentation maintains the simplicity of a single physical pump system while ensuring reliable product delivery to multiple machines simultaneously through organized queue management.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An array (1) of laundry washing machines that includes a plurality of laundry washing machines (10). Each of the laundry washing machines has an operator side (20). A plurality of pump systems (50), each of which is connected to two or more washing machines, is provided. For 80% to 100% of the laundry washing machines in the array, adjacent laundry washing machines having the operator sides out of alignment from one another by less than 90 degrees are not connected to the same pump system.