Multi-Drum Washing Machine Design for Separate Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines with a single washing apparatus require users to manually classify and wash laundry types separately, leading to inefficiencies in energy and time usage, and result in unnecessary power consumption when washing small loads in large-capacity drums.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with multiple washing apparatuses, each with its own user interface and control panel, allowing for simultaneous operation and power management using a single power button, enabling separate washing cycles and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single washing apparatus is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to multiple washing cycles required for different laundry types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of washing apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is divided into multiple independent washing apparatuses (first washing apparatus and second washing apparatus) within a single device. Each washing apparatus has its own drum and control capabilities, allowing simultaneous washing of different laundry types without requiring multiple separate machines, thus improving productivity while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple washing apparatuses are provided, then the adaptability increases for different laundry types, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry type compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple washing apparatuses are merged into a single integrated washing machine body, sharing common structural components and space. The control panel integrates controls for both washing apparatuses, allowing users to operate multiple independent washing cycles through a unified interface, thereby increasing adaptability for different laundry types while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity drum is used, then the adaptability for various load sizes is improved, but the use of energy increases unnecessarily for small loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload size flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single large-capacity drum is segmented into multiple smaller washing apparatuses with separate drums. Each drum can be independently operated with appropriate capacity for the specific laundry load, allowing users to wash small loads in smaller drums without consuming excessive energy that would be required by a large drum, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining load size flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230193545A1Washing machine

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine having a plurality of washing apparatuses is disclosed. By providing the plurality of washing apparatuses, it is possible to separately wash the laundry as needed. In addition, by controlling the plurality of washing apparatuses using one power button and an additional option button, it is possible to implement the control panel that is easy to operate and convenient to use.