Flexible Laundry Retrieval Hoop for Front-Load Drum Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loaded laundry machines require bending or kneeling to insert and retrieve laundry, and the process is inefficient due to the need for multiple steps and the risk of leaving items behind, which can cause dye issues between dark and white loads.
Innovation Solution
A laundry retrieval device with a resilient and flexible hoop component and panel that allows for easy insertion and retrieval using gravity, featuring handles formed by apertures between the panel and hoop, enabling the device to be folded for storage and accommodating laundry loads through elongation of the panel material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the door opening is configured close to the floor to accommodate front-loaded laundry machines, then the machine structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the user must bend or kneel down to insert or retrieve laundry which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laundry retrieval device as an intermediary tool between the user and the laundry machine. This device includes a retrieval mechanism with a basket or container that can be inserted into the drum through the door opening, allowing users to retrieve laundry without bending or kneeling directly into the machine, thus maintaining the simplified machine structure while improving user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational dimension by introducing a vertical retrieval mechanism that extends from the door opening into the drum. The retrieval device can be lowered and raised along a vertical path, allowing users to operate from a standing position while the mechanism handles the vertical movement, effectively adding a mechanical dimension to solve the ergonomics problem
2Productivity
If laundry is moved in multiple steps from washer to dryer, then the process can be completed, but the time required increases and the risk of leaving items behind increases which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retrieval function with the transfer function by designing a device that can both retrieve laundry from the drum and hold it for transfer to another machine. The integrated design includes a retrieval mechanism combined with a carrying basket or container, allowing users to perform both operations in a single continuous action rather than separate steps, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements preliminary action by equipping the retrieval device with a basket or container that is prepared in advance to hold laundry. This allows users to retrieve multiple items in one operation and hold them ready for transfer, preventing items from being left behind and eliminating the need for multiple retrieval trips
3Strength
If a rigid retrieval structure is used, then the device can maintain its shape and support laundry, but it cannot be folded for storage which increases the space required and reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a retrieval structure that transitions from a rigid state during operation to a flexible or collapsible state for storage. The structure may include telescopic components, collapsible frames, or flexible materials that maintain rigidity when supporting laundry during use but can be compressed or folded when not in use, thereby achieving both structural support and storage convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements nesting by designing components that can be inserted within each other when not in use. For example, the retrieval basket may collapse into a compact form that nests within the retrieval mechanism, or the entire device may fold into a compact configuration that occupies minimal storage space, effectively reducing the space requirement while maintaining full functionality during operation
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
Facilitates efficient insertion and retrieval of laundry from front-loaded machines by utilizing gravity to remove items from the drum, reducing the need for multiple steps and minimizing the risk of items being left behind, while providing a comfortable and ergonomic handling solution.
Implementation Method 1
An exemplary hoop component is resilient and flexible wherein it enables the laundry retrieval device to be folded to place a first side in contact with an opposing second side of the hoop component and then return back to a hoop shape after being folded
Implementation Method 2
The drum of the laundry machine is rotated to cause laundry to fall out of the laundry retrieval device for insertion and onto the laundry retrieval device for retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry retrieval device enables a method of inserting and method of retrieving laundry from a laundry machine using gravity to facilitate the process. The drum of the laundry machine is rotated to cause laundry to fall out of the laundry retrieval device for insertion and onto the laundry retrieval device for retrieval. An exemplary laundry retrieval device has a panel of material that extends within a resilient and flexible hoop component. The panel drapes within the hoop and one or more apertures between the panel and the hoop component forms handles for picking up and manipulating the laundry retrieval device. The hoop component is resilient and flexible to enable the laundry retrieval device to be folded around the laundry for insertion through the door opening and retrieval through the door opening of a laundry machine.