Partitioned Washing Machine Cabinet for Integrated Auxiliary Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require significant work and materials when integrating auxiliary devices, leading to unsatisfactory exterior appearances and inefficient use of space, as these devices are typically designed and produced independently.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design that incorporates a single partitioned cabinet system, where a second cabinet with additional functions is formed as one body with the primary cabinet, enhancing space utilization, productivity, and exterior aesthetics by allowing simultaneous operation of main and auxiliary washing cycles without increasing overall height or material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary devices are installed as independent devices at the washing machine, then additional functions are provided, but lots of works are required and exterior appearance becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionsVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device cabinet is merged with the main washing machine cabinet to form an integrated single body structure. The partition wall is formed as an integral part of the cabinet body, eliminating the need for separate assembly of auxiliary devices and improving both exterior appearance and assembly simplicity while maintaining additional functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary devices are installed as independent devices, then additional functions are provided, but exterior appearance becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionsVSAvoidexterior appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional cabinet design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but water drain height cannot be secured and inner space utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinner space utilizationVSAvoidcabinet structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is segmented into multiple functional spaces using partition walls that divide the cabinet body into first and second spaces. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each space for specific functions (main washing machine, auxiliary device) while maintaining efficient overall space utilization and proper water drain height configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls are configured to extend in vertical and horizontal directions to create multi-level functional zones. By utilizing vertical space effectively through strategically positioned partitions, the design secures adequate water drain height while maximizing inner space utilization without significantly increasing overall cabinet complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9127395B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A washing machine is disclosed. A washing machine includes a tub holding wash water, a drum rotatable within the tub to hold laundry, a first cabinet defining a first space to wash laundry together with the tub and the drum, a second cabinet defining a second space for an additional function, the second cabinet formed as one body with the first cabinet, and a single partition provided between the first and second cabinets to partition off the second space from the first space.