Machine for treating laundry including shoes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry management machines often require separate devices for washing normal laundry, small loads, and shoes, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, especially when dealing with shoes that require thorough hygiene management.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional laundry machine with vertically stacked washing parts, including a high-capacity first washing part, a smaller second washing part, and a third washing part specifically designed for shoes, allowing for simultaneous or separate washing of normal, small, and shoe laundry, with vibration balancing to enhance user convenience and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate washing machines are used for normal laundry, small laundry, and shoes, then each item can be washed with appropriate capacity, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing capacity adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of washing machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three separate washing machines with different capacities into a single integrated unit. The first washing part accommodates normal laundry, the second washing part handles small laundry, and the third washing part is dedicated to shoes. This merging allows the system to provide adaptable washing capacities for different laundry types while reducing the total number of devices from three separate machines to one unified machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated washing machine achieves multi-functionality by incorporating three distinct washing parts that can operate independently or together. Each washing part is designed for specific laundry types (normal, small, and shoes), enabling the single device to perform multiple washing functions that previously required three separate machines, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If shoes are washed manually one by one with a washing brush, then thorough hygiene management is achieved, but time consumption and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene management qualityVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The third washing part is specifically designed for shoes and includes automatic washing mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual brushing. The shoe washing compartment can accommodate multiple pairs of shoes and performs automatic washing, drying, and deodorizing functions. This self-service capability maintains thorough hygiene management quality while significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to manual washing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large capacity washing tub is used, then all laundry types can be accommodated, but water consumption increases for small laundry loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry accommodation capacityVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is segmented into three separate washing parts with different capacities: the first washing part for normal laundry, the second washing part for small laundry, and the third washing part for shoes. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate washing part based on the laundry type and quantity, thereby accommodating various laundry loads efficiently while minimizing water consumption by using only the necessary capacity for each washing task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If washing parts are stacked vertically, then space efficiency is improved, but vibration balance and stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor space occupationVSAvoidvibration balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The three washing parts are stacked vertically in an asymmetric arrangement rather than a uniform configuration. The first washing part (normal laundry) is positioned at the bottom, the second washing part (small laundry) in the middle, and the third washing part (shoes) at the top. This asymmetric vertical stacking optimizes space efficiency while allowing for strategic placement of heavier components lower in the stack to improve vibration balance and overall stability of the integrated machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11459682B2Machine for treating laundry including shoes

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A machine for managing laundry includes a first washing part including a first washing body and a first door, where the first washing part has a first washing capacity, a second washing part including a second washing body and a second door, where the second washing part has a second washing capacity that is less than the first washing capacity, and a third washing part including a third washing body and a third door, where the third washing part has a third washing capacity that is less than the first washing capacity. The third washing part includes a shoe mount configured to support one or more shoes. The first washing part, the second washing part, and the third washing part are configured to be stacked in a vertical direction.