Front-Load Washer Layout and Drain Path for Freeze Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Front-loading laundry treatment apparatuses are inconvenient due to the low placement of the introduction port, requiring users to stoop for loading and unloading laundry, and are prone to water supply pipe freezing and rupture at low temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A laundry treatment apparatus with a secondary washing apparatus positioned under the main washing apparatus to elevate the installation height, featuring a water supply and discharge system with check valves and a residual water discharge line to prevent freezing and facilitate easy water management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a front-loading laundry treatment apparatus is used, then the apparatus can wash laundry, but the introduction port is positioned at a level lower than the user's waist requiring the user to stoop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintroduction port heightVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secondary washing apparatus positioned at a different vertical dimension (under the main washing apparatus) to provide an elevated introduction port, allowing users to access laundry without stooping while maintaining the original front-loading apparatus functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If water supply pipes are installed in the washing apparatus, then washing water can be supplied to the tub, but the pipes may freeze and rupture at low ambient temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supply functionVSAvoidpipe freezing resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The water discharge unit is configured to discharge washing water from the tub and residual water from the water supply pipes before the apparatus is left unused or during low temperature conditions, preventing freezing and rupture by removing water that could freeze in the pipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts water from the water supply pipes through the water discharge unit and removes it from the system, preventing the water from remaining in the pipes where it could freeze and cause damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enhances user convenience by raising the introduction port height and prevents water supply pipe freezing by ensuring complete water discharge and management, reducing the risk of rupture and foul smells.

Implementation Method 1

The water supply unit is in fluidic communication with the water discharge unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic communication:

Implementation Method 2

The water supply connection pipe connected to the communication hose may include a check valve configured to prevent washing water supplied to the tub from flowing toward the water discharge bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS10465328B2Laundry treatment apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A laundry treatment apparatus includes a tub configured to receive washing water, a drum rotatably disposed in the tub, a water supply unit configured to supply washing water to the tub, and a water discharge unit configured to discharge washing water from the tub. The water supply unit is in fluidic communication with the water discharge unit.