Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack a dedicated space for auxiliary washing of specific items like socks and undergarments, limiting their ability to perform separate and efficient washing cycles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an auxiliary washing unit within the washing machine, featuring an auxiliary washing space and a discharging assembly that allows for independent washing and drainage, enabling separate washing and discharge of laundry from the main washing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a washing machine has only a main washing space formed by the fixed tub and rotating tub, then the structure is simple, but no separate space for washing specific items like socks and undergarments is available
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary washing unit is nested within the door assembly of the washing machine. The door assembly serves as the container structure, and the auxiliary washing unit is integrated inside it, allowing the smaller washing space to be housed within the existing door structure without requiring a completely separate external unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is transformed into a multi-functional component. It not only serves as the access door for the main washing space but also houses the auxiliary washing unit, providing both main washing and auxiliary washing functions through a single structural element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary washing unit is added to the door assembly, then separate auxiliary washing space is provided, but the door assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary washing unit is designed as a segmented, modular component with distinct functional parts: the auxiliary washing space, the discharging assembly with discharging door, and the holder mechanism. This segmentation allows for independent design optimization and simplifies the integration process into the door assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharging door is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to rotate between a closed position (when held by the holder) and an open position (when released). This dynamic feature enables automatic discharge functionality while maintaining a compact structure when in the closed position.
3Ease of operation
If the discharging door is designed to rotate between closed and open positions, then automatic discharge is enabled, but the mechanism requires additional components like holder and hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The discharging assembly is designed to operate automatically through a washing machine-driven mechanism. The rotation of the door assembly during the washing cycle automatically opens the discharging door at appropriate times, eliminating the need for manual intervention to discharge water or small items from the auxiliary washing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder and hinge mechanisms are merged into a compact integration within the door assembly structure. The holder that secures the discharging door in the closed position is combined with the hinge that enables rotation, reducing the number of separate external components and simplifying the overall assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing machine including an auxiliary washing unit configured with an auxiliary washing space formed separately from a main washing space formed in a rotating tub, and a discharging assembly by which the auxiliary washing space and the main washing space are selectively in communication with each other. Through such a structure, auxiliary washing may be independently performed, and washing efficiency may be enhanced.