Rotatable Washing Machine Loading Container for Sleeve Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading containers for washing machines are not ergonomically designed, making it difficult for operators to access all parts of the container, especially when the washing machine is close to a wall or has limited working space, due to the angular positioning of hydraulic connection sleeves.

Innovation Solution

A loading container with a rotatable containing body and base body, allowing selective angular positioning, equipped with a rotation unit featuring a supporting and sliding wall with a rotation pin, enabling easy access to all parts and facilitating insertion into the washing machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the container supports a pair of washing pipes positioned angularly offset by 180°, then productivity is increased, but the hydraulic connection sleeve on the rear side becomes difficult to access for operators

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidaccessibility to hydraulic connection sleeve
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The containing body is made rotatable relative to the base body through a rotation unit, allowing the hydraulic connection sleeves to be dynamically repositioned from fixed angular positions to accessible positions. The rotation unit includes a rotation pin and supporting wall that enable the containing body to rotate, transforming the static angular positioning into a dynamic system where operators can access sleeves regardless of initial positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the washing machine is positioned close to a wall with reduced working space, then space utilization is improved, but operator access to rear hydraulic connection sleeves is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking spaceVSAvoidoperator access
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable containing body allows the system to adapt to limited working space conditions. When space is constrained, operators can rotate the containing body to bring rear hydraulic connection sleeves into accessible positions, making the system adaptable to various spatial configurations without requiring fixed large working areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism adds a rotational dimension to the otherwise linear access problem. Instead of only moving forward or backward in limited space, the system utilizes rotational movement around the vertical axis, creating a new dimensional approach to accessibility that overcomes spatial constraints.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2445438B1Loading container for a washing machine
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 STEELCO
  • EP2445438B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2445438B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2445438B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3a

AI summary

A loading container (10) for a washing machine (60) comprises a containing body (12) to support and position objects to be washed inside the washing machine (60) or washing devices (20, 22) containing the objects to be washed. The container (10) also comprises a base body (14), located below the containing body (12), and a rotation unit (45) to connect rotatably the base body (14) and the containing body (12) so as to allow a selective reciprocal angular positioning of the containing body (12) and the base body (14).