Pedestal Washing Machine Layout for Small-Load Washing and Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines are inefficient for washing small amounts of laundry, consuming excessive energy and water, and are not suitable for delicate items due to their large size, leading to space and cleanliness issues when multiple machines are used.

Innovation Solution

A pedestal washing machine with a rotating drum, motor, water supply and drainage systems, and steam generator, allowing for efficient washing of small loads while serving as a bedplate for larger machines, optimizing space usage with integrated control panel and variable pipe lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large-sized washing machine is used to meet the demand for large capacity, then the washing capacity is improved, but the energy consumption and water consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the washing machine system into two separate units: a large-capacity washing machine for main washing tasks and a small-capacity pedestal washing machine for delicate items and small loads. This segmentation allows each machine to operate at optimal capacity, preventing energy waste from running a large machine with small loads while maintaining the ability to wash large quantities when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pedestal washing machine is designed to serve multiple functions: it can wash small loads independently, function as a bedplate for the large washing machine, and provide additional washing capacity for delicate items. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the pedestal structure while addressing the energy consumption problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a large-sized washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing function is available, but the space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing function availabilityVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the washing needs into two separate machines - a large washing machine for bulk laundry and a compact pedestal washing machine for small loads - the system allows users to select the appropriate machine size for each washing task, improving space efficiency while maintaining washing function availability for all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pedestal washing machine utilizes vertical space by positioning the drum above the bedplate level, effectively using the height dimension rather than occupying additional horizontal floor space. This dimensional approach allows the small washing machine to coexist with the large washing machine without significantly increasing the footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a large-sized washing machine is used for delicate clothes, then the washing capability is available, but the washing quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capabilityVSAvoidwashing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the washing machine fleet into two specialized units: a large-capacity machine for general-purpose washing and a dedicated small-capacity pedestal machine for delicate items. This segmentation ensures that delicate clothes receive appropriate gentler treatment in the smaller machine, improving washing quality while maintaining overall washing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If two separate washing machines are installed to wash different types of laundry, then the washing specialization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing specializationVSAvoidnumber of washing machines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the pedestal structure with the small washing machine into a single integrated unit. The pedestal serves dual purposes: supporting the large washing machine and housing the small washing machine's drum and controls. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for a separate standalone small washing machine while maintaining washing specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pedestal structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the support base for the large washing machine and the housing for the small washing machine. This universal design allows one structure to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the overall number of separate devices needed while maintaining specialized washing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient washing of small laundry loads with reduced energy consumption, flexible installation, and simultaneous operation with larger machines, improving space efficiency and cleanliness by utilizing the pedestal's internal space effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a motor (190) installed in a space formed between the outer tub (140) and a corner side of the case (110) to transfer a rotational force to the rotating body (150)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

steam generator, allowing for efficient washing of small loads while serving as a bedplate for larger machines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2099966B1Pedestal washing machine
Publication Date: 2017.02.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2099966B1 patent drawing
  • EP2099966B1 patent drawing
  • EP2099966B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A pedestal washing machine (100) capable of washing a small amount of laundry and also serving as a bedplate for supporting the other washing machine (200) is disclosed. The pedestal washing machine (100) includes a case (130) which has a volume and a height smaller than a volume and a height of a washer (200) to stably support the washer (200), an outer tub (140) installed in the case (130) to accommodate washing water, a rotating body (150) which is rotatably installed in the outer tub to shake laundry, and a driving device (190) which is installed in a space formed between the outer tub (140) and a corner of the case (130) to transfer a rotational force to the rotating body (150).