Laundry machine with versatile tub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry machines require specific tub designs to accommodate different types of discharge ducts, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and costs due to the need for various manufacturing lines and tools.

Innovation Solution

A laundry machine tub equipped with multiple types of drain-connection elements allows for versatile connection with various discharge ducts, including both elastomeric and hard material types, using a single tub design that can adapt to different ducts through various fastening methods such as screws, bayonet elements, and sacrificial parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single tub design is used for all discharge duct types, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but secure connections for different duct types (elastomeric and hard materials) cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drain collar is designed with multiple types of connection elements (first connection element for elastomeric materials, second connection element for hard materials) integrated into a single component, allowing it to universally connect different discharge duct types without requiring different tub designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into different connection elements (first connection element with clamp member for elastomeric materials, second connection element with threaded portion for hard materials) that can be selectively used based on the discharge duct type, while all are integrated into a single drain collar

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple tub designs are used for different discharge duct types, then secure connections are ensured, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to multiple manufacturing lines and tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single tub design incorporates a drain collar with multiple connection elements that can accommodate different discharge duct types, eliminating the need for multiple tub designs and their associated manufacturing lines and tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple connection elements (first connection element for elastomeric materials, second connection element for hard materials) are merged into a single drain collar component, allowing one tub design to serve multiple connection purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If hose clamp fastening is used for elastomeric discharge ducts, then secure connections are achieved, but hard material manifolds cannot be properly fastened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidduct type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into different connection elements: a first connection element with a clamp member for elastomeric materials and a second connection element with a threaded portion for hard materials, allowing each element to be optimized for its specific duct type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drain collar incorporates multiple connection elements that provide universal compatibility with different discharge duct types (elastomeric and hard materials) through different fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If screw fastening is used for hard material manifolds, then secure connections are achieved, but elastomeric discharge ducts cannot be properly fastened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidduct type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2935677B1Laundry machine with versatile tub

Publication Date: 2017.06.28 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV

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AI summary

Present invention relates to a laundry machine (100) for treating laundry provided with a tub (200) which comprises a discharge hole (240) for draining liquid out of the tub (200), and a plurality of drain-connection elements (245a, 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d). The laundry machine (100) further comprises a discharge duct (300; 500; 600) fluidly connected to the discharge hole (240) for collecting liquid drained from the tub (200), and fixed to the tub by at least one of the drain-connection elements. The plurality of drain-connection elements (245a, 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d) comprises at least two different types of drain-connection elements (245a, 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d), each one adapted for fixing a corresponding type of discharge duct to the tub (200) by means of a corresponding connection arrangement.