Integrated Laundry Chamber with Spray Cleaning and Hanging Ironing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry machines require multiple steps and separate equipment for washing, drying, and ironing, with manual stain removal and inefficiencies in water and detergent usage, and lack the capability for dry cleaning and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function machine that integrates stain removal, washing, drying, and ironing in a single unit, using movable sprayer bars with adjustable pressure nozzles, modular design, and the ability to use solvents for dry cleaning, with programmable zones for efficient resource use and sterilization options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for washing, drying, and ironing, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process requires multiple steps, manual intervention, and more equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washing, drying, and ironing functions into a single integrated machine. The washing chamber and drying/ironing chamber are merged into one device, allowing clothes to be transferred internally without manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by achieving multi-functionality through physical merging of previously separate machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to perform multiple functions (washing, drying, ironing) within a single device. The washing drum serves for washing, while the drying chamber provides both drying and ironing capabilities through heated rollers. This universal design allows one machine to replace multiple specialized machines.
2Reliability
If manual stain removal by rubbing is used, then stains can be removed, but fabric wear increases and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical rubbing with automated spray nozzles that apply cleaning solutions under pressure. The spray system delivers targeted fluid jets to stain areas, eliminating the need for manual friction-based stain removal and thereby preventing fabric wear while maintaining effective stain removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The stain removal system uses hydraulic spray nozzles to deliver cleaning solutions at controlled pressures. The pressurized fluid application replaces manual rubbing mechanics, providing effective stain removal through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical friction, thus protecting fabric integrity.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional washing with soaking is used, then clothes can be washed, but colored clothing may have their colors attacked and altered
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process uses periodic spray cycles rather than continuous soaking. Clothes are sprayed with water in intermittent bursts, allowing water to act on stains and fabric surfaces without prolonged immersion. This periodic action achieves effective washing while minimizing color loss that occurs with extended soaking periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system provides localized water application to specific areas of clothes rather than uniform soaking. The movable nozzles target specific zones, delivering water only where needed for cleaning. This localised approach reduces overall water exposure and prevents color fading while maintaining washing effectiveness.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If clothes are hung on a clothes horse to dry, then drying can be achieved, but the process requires additional equipment and manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The drying function is merged with the ironing function in the second chamber. After washing, clothes are transferred automatically to the drying/ironing chamber where they are dried on heated rollers that simultaneously iron the clothes. This integration eliminates the need for separate clothes horse drying and manual ironing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine performs drying and ironing automatically without requiring manual clothes horse handling. The heated rollers in the drying chamber automatically dry and iron clothes as they pass through, providing self-service functionality that eliminates manual intervention previously required for hanging and ironing.
5Reliability
If spraying fluids under pressure is used for stain removal, then stain removal effectiveness increases, but energy and fluid consumption may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system applies fluid under pressure only to specific localized areas where stains are present, rather than spraying the entire garment uniformly. The movable nozzles are positioned to target specific zones, concentrating energy and fluid application only where needed for stain removal, thereby reducing overall consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies spray pressure selectively and partially to stain areas rather than continuously to the entire garment. The intermittent and targeted nature of the spray application provides sufficient cleaning power for stains while minimizing unnecessary energy and fluid consumption on already clean areas.
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
Enables efficient, automated cleaning and ironing with reduced detergent and energy consumption, preserving color and preventing fabric wear, while allowing for selective treatment and modular capacity adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
spraying of fluids under pressure, movable to the clothing to be treated
Implementation Method 2
drying and ironing in succession different types of clothing
Implementation Method 3
drying with the help of hot air
Implementation Method 4
final drying and ironing services
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multifunction machine for laundries, which comprises a body or frame (11) defining a treatment chamber (12) hermetically closed and equipped with means (15) for hanging elements (14), such as bed linen, clothes and garments, to be treated; means for removing stains, a wash and rinse; means for drying; and means for ironing said elements while they are hanging and stretched out in said treatment chamber.