Twin-Drum Laundry Machine Layout for Heat and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional twin laundry machines face challenges in reducing vibration transfer, heat interference, and maintaining compact size while accommodating different laundry treating capacities, which affects their reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a second washing unit with a smaller capacity positioned above the first, featuring a drum with a diameter larger than its height and an angled shaft, along with a metal plate member to shield heat from the motor and reinforce the tub, and a recess for heating wash water, all within a single cabinet to minimize overall height and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a twin laundry machine configuration is used with different laundry treating capacities, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second washing unit is nested within the cabinet structure of the first washing unit, with the second tub positioned above the first tub. This nesting arrangement allows the twin laundry machine to accommodate different laundry treating capacities while maintaining a compact overall form factor and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by arranging the second washing unit above the first washing unit within the same cabinet. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement allows versatility improvement without proportionally increasing the footprint or overall complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the second washing unit is positioned above the first, then compact size is improved, but heat transfer and vibration interference between units increase
Solution Approach 1:
A heat insulation plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second washing units. This plate is positioned at the lower surface of the second tub and serves as a thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer from the second unit to the first unit while allowing the compact vertical arrangement to be maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The heat insulation plate converts the potential harmful effect of heat transfer into a beneficial thermal management solution. By strategically placing the insulation plate, the design addresses heat interference while maintaining the compact cabinet structure
3Volume of moving object
If the second washing unit is positioned above the first, then compact size is improved, but vibration transfer between units increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration isolation elements are introduced as intermediary components between the first and second washing units. These elements are positioned at the interface between units and serve to dampen and isolate vibrations, preventing vibration transfer while allowing the compact vertical arrangement to be maintained
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat insulation plate is added to shield heat from the motor, then heat interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat insulation plate is merged with the structural components of the washing machine, specifically being integrated into the cabinet structure or tub support framework. This merging approach allows heat shielding functionality to be added without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the insulation plate serves both thermal and structural purposes
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 reduces vibration and heat transfer between units, improves durability, and maintains a compact size, enhancing the reliability and convenience of the laundry machine by allowing easier loading and unloading of laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a metal plate member to shield heat from the motor
Implementation Method 2
A first recess of the second tub may be defined to project downward from a rear portion of a lower surface of the second tub and is configured to heat wash water in the second tub
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine includes first and second washing units including first and second tubs, respectively. First and second drums are mounted inside the first and second tubs, and first and second drive units drive rotations of the first and second drums around first and second rotational shafts, respectively. The second washing unit is arranged above the first washing unit and has a smaller laundry treating capacity than the first washing unit. The first rotational shaft is not parallel to the second rotational shaft. A first recess projects downward from a rear lower surface of the second tub and is configured to heat wash water in the second tub. A metal plate member is provided on an outside lower surface of the second tub, and partially extends to the rear of the second tub to expose a bottom surface of the first recess.