Split Tub Laundry Machine Layout for Larger Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry machines face a capacity constraint where increasing the tub size requires enlarging the cabinet, leading to inconvenient redesigns and inefficient space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The laundry machine design includes a tub configuration with a first and second part, where the second tub part is connected to the cabinet via a vibration transmission preventing member, allowing vibration to be absorbed and transmitted directly to the cabinet, enabling a larger tub capacity without increasing the cabinet size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the tub size is increased to improve laundry capacity, then the capacity parameter improves, but the cabinet size must be enlarged which worsens the space utilization and requires inconvenient redesign

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaundry capacityVSAvoidcabinet volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tub is divided into a first tub part and a second tub part. The first tub part is directly connected to the cabinet, while the second tub part is connected via a vibration transmission preventing member. This segmentation allows the tub capacity to be increased without proportionally increasing the cabinet volume, as the vibration isolation enables more efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If the tub is directly connected to the cabinet to improve space utilization, then the cabinet space utilization improves, but vibration transmission to the cabinet increases which worsens the structural stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabinet space utilizationVSAvoidcabinet structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration transmission preventing member is introduced as an intermediary between the second tub part and the cabinet. This intermediary component absorbs and isolates vibrations generated during washing operations, preventing them from being transmitted to the cabinet structure. This allows the tub to be directly connected to the cabinet for improved space utilization while maintaining cabinet structural stability through vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration allows for an enlarged tub and drum capacity within the same cabinet size, improving space utilization and reducing vibration transmission, thus enhancing the machine's capacity without altering its exterior dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration transmission preventing member, wherein the second tub part is connected to the cabinet via the vibration transmission preventing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2400051B1Laundry machine
Publication Date: 2013.11.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2400051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2400051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2400051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laundry machine includes a cabinet (10), a first tub (20) having at least predetermined portion directly connected to the cabinet (10), a second tub (30) provided underneath the first tub (20), relative movable with respect to the first tub (20), the second tub (30) receiving wash water together with the first tub (20), and a drum (40) rotatable about a vertical shaft within the first and second tubs (20; 30).