Multi-Tub Washing Machine Design for Simultaneous Load Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require multiple wash cycles for separate laundry items and consume excessive water and energy when washing small loads, as they typically have only one tub and cannot re-introduce laundry once the wash process starts.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring multiple tubs and drums, allowing for simultaneous washing of separate laundry items and optimizing water and energy usage by using a smaller tub and drum for smaller loads, with independent water supply and discharge systems, and a door configuration that enables laundry introduction during the wash process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single large tub is used to accommodate voluminous laundry, then the washing machine can handle large loads, but excessive water and energy are consumed when washing small amounts of laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into multiple independent tubs (first tub, second tub, third tub) with different capacities. Each tub can be independently selected based on the laundry load size, allowing the system to segment the washing function across different scales to avoid energy waste from using an oversized tub for small loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single large tub is used to accommodate voluminous laundry, then the washing machine can handle large loads, but more washing water than required is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into multiple independent tubs (first tub, second tub, third tub) with different capacities. Each tub can be independently selected based on the laundry load size, allowing the system to segment the washing function across different scales to avoid water waste from using an oversized tub for small loads.
3Reliability
If the door is closed once washing starts, then the washing process can proceed without interruption, but laundry that has not been introduced cannot be re-introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry introduction function is segmented across multiple doors (first door for first tub, second door for second tub, third door for third tub). This allows different tubs to be accessed independently, so laundry can be introduced to available tubs even when other tubs are in operation, maintaining both process continuity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temporal dimension to laundry introduction by allowing sequential access to different tubs. While one tub is washing, laundry can be introduced to another tub, effectively creating multiple time windows for loading and eliminating the constraint of a single closed door.
4Productivity
If multiple tubs are provided to wash separate laundry simultaneously, then washing efficiency improves, but the machine size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second tub is nested within the door structure of the first tub assembly, and the third tub is nested within the door structure of the second tub assembly. This nesting arrangement allows multiple tubs to coexist in a compact configuration, increasing washing throughput without proportionally increasing the overall machine volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine having a plurality of tubs includes a cabinet having a first tub disposed therein, a first door, having a second tub disposed therein, to open and close a laundry introduction opening formed at the cabinet, a second door to open and close a laundry introduction opening of the second tub, a first water supply part and a second water supply part to supply washing water to inside of the first tub and the second tub, respectively, and a first water discharge part and a second water discharge part to discharge washing water from the first tub and the second tub, respectively. This configuration allows a washing process to be performed at a plurality of spaces.