Detachable Sub-Drum Washing Structure for Leak-Free Separate Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require multiple operations and result in detergent waste and high energy consumption due to the need for separate washing cycles for different fabric materials, and they struggle with independent water supply and drainage between the main-drum and sub-drum, potentially causing dyeing of laundry and inefficient detergent use.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a detachable sub-drum that allows independent washing, featuring a tub cover with a sensor unit and mounting portion to detect the sub-drum's presence and prevent water leakage, enabling separate water supply and drainage without an auxiliary drive unit, and allowing additional laundry loading and efficient wash water discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sub-drum is detachably mounted in the drum to perform independent washing, then washing efficiency is improved and detergent waste is reduced, but water leakage between main-drum and sub-drum may occur causing laundry dyeing
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-drum is detachably mounted inside the main drum, creating a nested structure where the sub-drum fits within the drum cavity. This nesting arrangement allows independent washing cycles while maintaining structural integration that prevents water leakage between the two washing spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor unit is introduced as an intermediary component to detect the presence and position of the sub-drum. The sensor unit communicates with the control unit to monitor whether the sub-drum is properly mounted, enabling the system to control water supply and prevent leakage by detecting sub-drum presence before initiating washing cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wash water is supplied independently to main-drum and sub-drum, then separate washing cycles are enabled, but device complexity increases requiring additional water supply and drainage control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply unit is designed to serve multiple functions by selectively supplying water to either the main drum or the sub-drum based on detected needs. The same water supply unit can switch between serving the main washing cycle, the sub-washing cycle, or both simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated water supply systems for each drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit automatically detects the presence and position of the sub-drum, and the control unit automatically adjusts water supply and drainage operations based on this detection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex manual control systems, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatile washing capabilities.
3Device complexity
If conventional laundry treating apparatus performs multiple washing courses in one drum, then device simplicity is maintained, but detergent waste and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is segmented into two independent washing spaces: the main drum and the sub-drum. This segmentation allows different washing courses to be performed simultaneously in separate compartments with different water and detergent requirements. By dividing the single washing space into two, the system enables specialized washing for different fabric types without requiring multiple separate washing machines, thus reducing detergent waste while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
The apparatus achieves efficient washing using only the sub-drum, prevents water leakage, and allows for easy sensor mounting without additional components, reducing detergent waste and energy consumption by enabling separate washing cycles without mixing wash waters.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit provided in the tub cover and configured to sense the sensing object unit
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus comprises a tub provided to hold wash water; a drum rotatably provided in the tub and comprising a shaft which is perpendicular with the ground; a sub-drum detachably mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the drum and configured to wash laundry, independent from the drum; a tub cover provided in an upper surface of the tub and comprising a laundry introduction opening formed therein; a sensing object unit provided in the sub-drum; and a sensor unit provided in the tub cover and configured to sense the sensing object unit.