Compartmentalized Washer-Dryer Tub With Removable Divider

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current washer and dryer tubs lack the ability to effectively separate and wash or dry different types of fabrics or colors without requiring multiple machines, which is impractical for home use due to space and cost constraints.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a removable dividing wall and adjustable flaps within the tub, allowing it to be divided into compartments, with the option to expand or contract the tub's diameter and secure the dividing wall in place, enabling separation of clothes by color or type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple washers and dryers are purchased to separate different fabrics and colors, then separation capability is improved, but cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tub is divided into multiple compartments using removable dividing walls that can be inserted to separate different fabrics and colors within a single tub, eliminating the need for multiple machines while maintaining separation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single washer or dryer tub is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating removable dividing walls that create separate compartments, allowing one machine to replace what would traditionally require multiple machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple washers and dryers are purchased to separate different fabrics and colors, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dividing walls are designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing the tub configuration to dynamically adapt to different separation needs rather than requiring fixed complex multi-machine setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If an expandable tub is used to increase capacity, then volume is improved, but separation capability remains unchanged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetub capacityVSAvoidseparation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tub combines expandable volume capability with reconfigurable dividing walls, allowing it to dynamically adapt between maximizing capacity and creating separated compartments based on user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a removable dividing wall is inserted to separate clothes, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the entire tub structure complex with built-in permanent dividers, only partial dividing walls are added that can be removed when not needed, adding minimal complexity only when separation is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20230096166A1Compartmentalized washer/dryer tub and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.03.30 SALES GREGORY ANDREW

AI summary

A tub for use in a washer or dryer that is dividable into compartments by use of a removable dividing wall. The removable dividing wall can be inserted manually or mechanically into position and held in place with a removable wall securing device. The tub has expanding and contracting capabilities that allows the diameter of the tub to be altered.