Vacuum Washing Bag Structure for Compact Laundry Washing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is no compact, non-voluminous washing machine that washes laundry effectively without requiring hand power, while also being easy to mount and connect for use.

Innovation Solution

A compact washing machine design that uses a fluid-tight washing bag with an inlet, outlet, and a pump to create negative pressure for washing, allowing for efficient water use and energy conservation, with features like undulated bag walls and a shape memory for easy storage and mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional washing machine with a cylindrical drum is used, then the laundry can be washed effectively, but the machine becomes voluminous and occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidmachine volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible washing bag made of thin film material instead of a rigid cylindrical drum. The bag can be compressed and folded when not in use, dramatically reducing the volume occupied by the washing machine while maintaining the necessary washing functionality when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine is segmented into a compact main body housing and a separate removable washing bag. This segmentation allows the washing bag to be stored independently in a compressed state, reducing the overall volume of the stationary machine while preserving washing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a pressure chamber is used to wash laundry in a bag, then washing can be achieved, but the machine becomes just as voluminous as conventional washing machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing capabilityVSAvoidmachine volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a rigid pressure chamber, the patent employs a flexible washing bag that can be compressed. The bag maintains its washing function through flexible compression and expansion, eliminating the need for a large stationary pressure chamber while achieving the same washing effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The washing bag dynamically changes its volume during operation - expanding when filled with laundry and water for washing, and compressing when emptied and not in use. This dynamic volume adjustment allows the machine to be compact when idle while maintaining full washing capability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If hand power is used to press the washing volume, then the machine can be compact, but it requires manual operation and is not automated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine volumeVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical pressing system with an automated pump-based vacuum system. The pump creates negative pressure to automatically compress the washing bag and extract water, eliminating the need for manual pressing while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a pump system that creates negative pressure (vacuum) to automate the compression and water extraction processes. This pneumatic/hydraulic system replaces manual mechanical force, providing automation while keeping the machine compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Reliability

If a separate washing device with water supply and pump is used, then washing can be achieved, but the mounting and connection becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing functionVSAvoidmounting and connection simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the water supply system, pump, and washing bag into an integrated compact unit. The connection interface between the bag and main body is simplified through standardized fluid connections, making mounting and connection straightforward while maintaining full washing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution minimizes water and energy consumption, eliminates the need for a pressure chamber or cylindrical drum, and allows for efficient washing and sorting of laundry, while being compact and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

the pump, in order to pump water and air out from the washing bag in order to create a negative pressure inside the washing bag with respect to the surrounding atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a pump, in order to pump the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

an inlet and outlet for water and possibly a heating unit in order to heat water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2633113B1Washing machine having a washing bag
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 RODERINNO AB
  • EP2633113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

Washing machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles, which washing machine has a main part (1) that comprises: an inlet (2), for supplying washing water, an outlet (3), for disposal of washing water, a pump (4), in order to pump the washing water, a connection unit (7) for fluid tight connection of a washing bag (10) to the main part (1). The washing bag (10) has fluid tight walls and is removably connectable to the connection unit (1) of the main part (1), wherein the pump (4) is arranged to pump water and air from the washing bag (10) in order to create a certain negative pressure inside it with respect to the surrounding atmospheric pressure and by that emptying it of washing water.