Pedestal Auxiliary Washing Machine With Vibration-Isolated Tub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional large-sized washing machines are inefficient for washing small amounts of laundry, leading to increased energy consumption, longer washing times, and unsuitability for delicate items, while compact machines are not preferred due to spatial and design considerations.

Innovation Solution

A compact auxiliary washing machine that serves as a pedestal for main laundry machines, featuring a tub, rotary member, motor, and flexible sealing to prevent vibration, with a steam generator for enhanced washing, and a control panel for independent operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-sized washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various load sizes, but energy consumption increases and washing time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing machine capacity adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine system is segmented into two independent units: a main washing machine for large loads and a auxiliary washing machine for small loads. This segmentation allows each unit to operate at optimal capacity, preventing energy waste from running a large machine with small laundry amounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary washing machine serves multiple functions: it washes small amounts of laundry independently and simultaneously serves as a pedestal/support structure for the main washing machine. This multi-functionality maximizes space utilization and operational efficiency.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large-sized washing machine is used for delicate clothes, then one machine can wash all types of laundry, but the washing course is not suitable for delicate items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing machine type coverageVSAvoidwashing suitability for delicate clothes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The washing system is divided into two specialized machines: a main washing machine for general laundry and a auxiliary washing machine specifically designed for small and delicate items. This segmentation ensures that delicate clothes receive appropriate washing treatment in the smaller, more suitable auxiliary machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If a compact auxiliary washing machine is added to wash small laundry loads, then energy consumption is reduced for small loads, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption for small loadsVSAvoidwashing machine system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary washing machine is merged with the pedestal structure, combining the support function for the main washing machine with the washing function in one integrated unit. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary washing machine structure serves dual purposes: it functions as an independent washing machine for small loads and simultaneously serves as a pedestal/support for the main washing machine. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional support structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

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

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a flexible sealing member is added to prevent vibration transmission, then vibration isolation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidsealing and vibration isolation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible sealing member made of elastic material is used to seal the gap between the auxiliary washing machine tub and the pedestal. This flexible material inherently provides vibration isolation properties while maintaining the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate vibration damping components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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, suitable for delicate items, and space-saving design, allowing simultaneous use with main machines without increasing spatial requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible sealing member connected between the bearing housing and the tub, wherein vibration transmitted to the bearing housing through the rotary shaft is prevented from being transmitted to the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3133201B1Auxiliary washing machine
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3133201B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3133201B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3133201B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A complex washing machine is disclosed. The complex washing machine includes an auxiliary washing machine that is capable of serving as a pedestal for a main laundry machine, such as a washing machine or a drying machine, and performing a washing operation. The auxiliary washing machine is suitable for washing a small amount of laundry while the auxiliary washing machine serves as a pedestal for supporting the main washing machine, which is placed on the auxiliary washing machine. A bearing housing (192), which supports a rotary shaft (191) of a motor (190), and a bottom plate of a tub are connected to each other via a gasket (122). Consequently, the vibration generated from the tub during washing is minimized.