Coupled Main-Auxiliary Laundry Machine for Small-Load Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating machines are inefficient in handling small laundry loads, require separate machines for washing and drying functions, and struggle to dry items like shoes, leading to increased energy consumption and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A multiple laundry treating machine is designed with a main device and an auxiliary device that can be coupled, allowing for efficient washing and drying of small loads, including shoes, using a compact auxiliary drying device or washing device integrated into the main machine's pedestal, with communication and control capabilities for coordinated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various load sizes, but energy consumption and water consumption increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system is segmented into a main washing machine and a separate auxiliary washing device. The auxiliary device handles small laundry loads independently, while the main machine handles larger loads. This segmentation allows each device to operate at optimal capacity, preventing energy waste from running a large machine with small loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary washing device is designed to provide washing functionality for small loads, while the main washing machine maintains its full-capacity washing ability. Together, they create a multi-functional system that can handle any load size efficiently, giving the user universal washing capability across different scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large-capacity drying machine is used to dry small amounts of laundry, then the drying machine can handle various load sizes, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The drying function is segmented from the main washing machine and implemented as a separate auxiliary drying device. This auxiliary device has a smaller capacity optimized for small laundry loads including shoes and clothes. By segmenting the drying function, small loads can be dried in the auxiliary device without wasting energy that would occur if the large main drying machine were used.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a drum-type drying machine is used to dry shoes, then shoes can be dried, but it is difficult to dry them effectively and requires frequent rack installation and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary drying device is segmented as a separate unit with its own dedicated drying space and rack system. This segmentation allows the rack to be permanently installed in the auxiliary device, eliminating the need for frequent installation and separation. The auxiliary device's smaller size and dedicated design make it specifically suited for drying shoes and other small items.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary drying device is designed to be self-sufficient for drying small items like shoes. It has its own heating element, fan, and rack system that works independently without requiring intervention from the main washing machine or manual rack manipulation. The device serves itself by maintaining the rack in a fixed position optimized for shoe drying.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate washing machine and drying machine are purchased to obtain both washing and drying functions, then both functions are available, but expenses burden on the consumer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary washing device and auxiliary drying device are merged into a single integrated unit that can perform both washing and drying functions. This merged design provides dual functionality without requiring the consumer to purchase and install two completely separate machines, thereby reducing expenses and simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a large-capacity washing machine is used for small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various load sizes, but washing time increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The washing function is segmented between a main large-capacity washing machine and an auxiliary small-capacity washing device. The auxiliary device is specifically designed for small laundry loads and operates with shorter, optimized washing cycles. By segmenting the washing capability, small loads can be processed quickly in the auxiliary device without consuming the extended time required by the large main machine.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple laundry treating machine, in which an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) is coupled to a general laundry treating device (110), is disclosed. The multiple laundry treating machine includes a main laundry treating device (110) for washing or drying laundry contained in an interior of the main laundry treating device (110), an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) arranged at one side of the main laundry treating device (110), the auxiliary laundry treating device (120) having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the main laundry treating device (110), and having a laundry container (121) formed in an interior of the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), and a connecting unit (300) for connecting the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120), to enable communication or control operations between the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120). In accordance with the multiple laundry treating machine, it is possible to achieve a convenience in use and to save energy because a small amount of clothes or shoes can be dried by the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), without driving a laundry treating device (120) having a relatively-large capacity.