Single Drum Washing Machine Design to Reduce Hygiene Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double drum washing machines face hygiene issues due to dirt and bacteria accumulation in hard-to-reach areas, which can contaminate clothes, and existing cleaning solutions are ineffective for these areas.
Innovation Solution
A single drum washing machine design with a truncated cone shape and drain holes on the rear end, featuring a sealing ring and locking device to control drainage, a water inlet mechanism for efficient water filling, and a detergent dispenser to reduce water and detergent usage, allowing for easy cleaning of the inner drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a double drum design is used, then water inlet and drain are simplified, but hygiene deteriorates due to dirt and bacteria accumulation in hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the outer drum from the washing machine structure, retaining only the inner drum. This extraction eliminates the problematic space between inner and outer drums where dirt and bacteria accumulate, while maintaining the simplified water inlet and drain design through the drum's bottom holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the drum structure by providing multiple drain holes at the bottom of the drum that can be independently controlled. The valve mechanism segments the drainage function, allowing selective opening/closing of individual holes to enable both washing and drying operations with a single drum.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double drum design is used, then washing function is completed, but cleaning difficulty increases as outer walls are not reachable by hand or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the outer drum entirely, the invention eliminates the unreachable inner walls and crevices that make cleaning difficult. The single drum design allows complete accessibility to all surfaces for cleaning, while the valve-controlled holes provide the necessary washing and drying functionality.
3Ease of operation
If detergent is used to clean drum, then cleaning is attempted, but effectiveness deteriorates as outer walls are not observable or reachable
Solution Approach 1:
The removal of the outer drum eliminates the hidden surfaces that detergent cannot effectively reach. With only the single drum remaining, all surfaces become observable and accessible, making detergent cleaning effective and reliable.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a single drum design is used, then hygiene is improved and structure is simplified, but water control complexity increases requiring valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls water inlet, manages drainage during washing cycles, and enables drying by selectively opening/closing holes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity while achieving hygiene improvements through the single drum design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a washing machine without an external drum, comprising a washing drum (1) which is provided inside the washing machine, the washing drum (1) is provided with an opening (2) for placing and removing laundry; drain holes (5) are provided on the washing drum (1); and a valve for opening or closing all drain holes (5) is provided on the washing drum (1) and located at a corresponding position of the drain hole (5).