Polymer Laundry Chute for Ergonomic Washer-to-Dryer Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry systems do not facilitate the safe, convenient, and economical transfer of washed laundry from a washer to a dryer, resulting in physical strain on users.
Innovation Solution
A polymer chute with an arcuate design, featuring a centerline, arcuate leading and trailing edges, and rounded corners, allowing for easy transfer of laundry from the washer to the dryer without continuous bending, reducing user strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laundry is transferred manually from washer to dryer, then the transfer can be completed, but physical strain and energy expenditure increase for the user
Solution Approach 1:
A chute is introduced as an intermediary device between the washer and dryer. The chute receives laundry from the washer drum and guides it into the dryer, eliminating the need for users to manually carry or transfer heavy wet laundry. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing an automated transfer path that reduces user physical effort while completing the laundry transfer function.
2Ease of operation
If the chute is positioned to facilitate laundry transfer, then transfer convenience improves, but user safety may be compromised due to bending requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is positioned in a vertical dimension, extending from the washer drum level down to the dryer level. This vertical arrangement allows laundry to be deposited at the top of the chute and slide down gravity-fed to the dryer, eliminating the need for users to bend over or reach into tight spaces. By utilizing the vertical dimension for chute placement, the system maintains transfer convenience while removing harmful bending motions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple chute design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the chute may not provide adequate structural support for wet laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is constructed from composite materials that combine structural strength with manufacturing simplicity. Specifically, the chute may use reinforced plastics or composite panels that provide the necessary load-bearing capacity to support wet laundry while remaining relatively simple to manufacture through molding or fabrication processes. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both structural adequacy and manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A chute fabricated of a polymer has an arcuate leading edge, an arcuate trailing edge, a left edge, a right edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The chute has a centerline extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The centerline is equally spaced from the left edge and the right edge. The chute is curved with an axis of rotation parallel with and elevationally above the centerline and spaced from the centerline and the top surface.