Nested Sub-Drum Washing Machine for Independent Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require multiple operations and result in detergent waste and high energy consumption due to the need for separate washing cycles for different fabric materials, and they often mix wash waters from main and sub-drum, potentially causing dyeing issues.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a detachable sub-drum that allows independent washing and water management, featuring a filter unit to separate and discharge wash water without mixing it with the main drum's water, and a detergent box for targeted detergent use, eliminating the need for auxiliary drive units like drainage pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-drum is added to perform additional washing courses, then washing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-drum is nested inside the main drum, allowing the sub-drum to be detachably mounted within the main drum's interior space. This nesting arrangement enables the washing system to perform multiple washing courses (main drum washing and sub-drum washing) without requiring separate independent drums, thereby improving washing versatility while controlling device complexity through space-efficient design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wash water is supplied to both main drum and sub-drum, then washing capability is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into separate pathways for the main drum and sub-drum. The water supply unit can selectively supply wash water to either the main drum or the sub-drum based on the selected washing course, rather than always supplying water to both. This segmentation allows the system to maintain improved washing capability while reducing water consumption by supplying water only where needed for each specific washing task.
3Ease of operation
If wash water from main drum and sub-drum is mixed, then drainage simplicity is improved, but harmful effects occur (dyeing issues)
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into separate discharge pathways for main drum wash water and sub-drum wash water. The discharge unit includes separate discharge holes in the main drum and sub-drum, allowing wash waters to be discharged independently without mixing. This segmentation prevents harmful dyeing issues by keeping different wash waters separate, while the overall drainage operation remains simple through the use of separate but straightforward discharge paths.
4Productivity
If auxiliary drive units like drainage pumps are added, then water discharge capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine utilizes the rotation of the main drum and sub-drum themselves to discharge wash water, rather than requiring separate auxiliary drive units like drainage pumps. The discharge holes are positioned and sized to allow wash water to be expelled naturally through the rotational motion and centrifugal force generated during drum operation. This self-service approach maintains effective water discharge capability while avoiding the added complexity of auxiliary pumping systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves efficient washing by separating water supply and drainage, reducing detergent and energy consumption, and preventing dyeing issues by maintaining independent wash water management between the main and sub-drum, while effectively discharging wash water without auxiliary drives.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit provided under the discharging area and configured to filter the wash water moved by the rotation of the sub-drum and passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
configured to filter the wash water moved by the rotation of the sub-drum
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a tub for holding wash water, a drum rotatably supported in the tub and including a shaft disposed perpendicular with the ground, and a sub-drum detachably mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the drum. The sub-drum is configured to wash laundry independently from the drum. A discharging area of the sub-drum includes an inlet hole configured to draw wash water into the sub-drum, an outlet hole formed in a lateral wall of the sub-drum and configured to discharge the wash water outside the sub-drum, and a filter unit disposed under the discharging area and configured to filter wash water drawn into the sub-drum by rotation of the sub-drum.