Removable Compartment Coupling for Dual-Load Washing Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current clothes washing machines with a single washing room require separate cycles for white and colored clothes, leading to inefficiencies and potential staining, and existing solutions for additional washing compartments are complex, costly, and prone to wear due to increased torque and friction.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system for removable internal compartments in washing machines featuring a balancing device with convex protrusions and a washing compartment with concave channels for secure, fluid-independent operation without additional components, allowing easy insertion and removal without wear or increased torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional washing compartment is coupled to the upper end of the stirrer, then independent washing of white and colored clothes is enabled, but the torque required to rotate the stirrer increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into two independent washing compartments: a main washing basket and a miniature washing basket. Each compartment operates independently with its own water circulation system, allowing separate washing of different clothing types while distributing the rotational load to prevent excessive torque on the stirrer.
Solution Approach 2:
The miniature washing basket is nested within the main washing basket, with both compartments sharing the same central stirrer axis. This nested configuration allows the smaller basket to be coupled to the stirrer in a space-efficient manner that minimizes the additional torque required compared to external coupling arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional washing compartment is coupled to the stirrer, then dual washing capability is achieved, but friction and wear increase during centrifugation
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system is segmented into two independently operating washing compartments, each with separate water circulation and drainage systems. This segmentation allows dual washing capability while reducing mechanical stress and friction on shared components during centrifugation, as each compartment can be operated independently to minimize simultaneous loads.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flange is used to couple the small washing basket to the hydro-balancer ring, then coupling is achieved, but additional components increase complexity and potential for fluid communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system merges the coupling function directly into the existing hydro-balancer ring structure, eliminating the need for separate flange components. The small washing basket is coupled directly to the hydro-balancer ring through integrated coupling elements, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure mechanical connection and fluid isolation between compartments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling system intended more specifically to the fitting and attaching of additional and removable internal baskets defining isolated washing rooms in clothes washing machines. Such a system is intended more particularly to clothes washing machines (1) comprising a cabinet (2) within which it is located a fixed tank (3) with which cooperate a washing basket (4), a balancing device (5), a removable washing compartment (6) and an stirrer element (7), characterized by the fact that the balancing device (5) comprises at least one surface comprising a plurality of coupling members (51) and the removable washing compartment (6) cooperates with the balancing device (5), wherein said removable washing compartment (6) comprises at least one surface comprising a plurality of coupling elements (61) cooperating with the elements coupling (51) of the balancing device (5).