Washing machine

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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 control interface, allowing for simultaneous operation and power management using a single power button, enabling separate washing cycles and reducing energy consumption by entering a sleep mode when idle.

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 interface, 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 ease of operation decreases due to multiple control interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry type compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control interfaces for the first and second washing apparatuses are merged into a single integrated control panel. This allows users to control both washing apparatuses through one unified interface, maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability for different laundry types through the multiple washing apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large-capacity drum is used, then the adaptability for different laundry volumes is improved, but the loss of energy increases when washing small amounts of laundry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaundry volume flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine is segmented into multiple washing apparatuses with different capacity configurations. Users can select appropriate washing apparatuses based on laundry volume and type, avoiding the energy waste of running a large-capacity drum for small loads. The system provides adaptability for different laundry volumes while reducing energy loss through optimized apparatus selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If multiple washing apparatuses operate simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the use of energy increases due to multiple motors running

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing throughputVSAvoidtotal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically manages the operation of multiple washing apparatuses based on user selections and washing requirements. The system can activate only the necessary washing apparatuses for each washing cycle, allowing simultaneous operation when needed for high productivity while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption by keeping unused apparatuses in standby mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11608580B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 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.