Unified Washing Machine Cabinet for Auxiliary Function Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require significant work and material when integrating auxiliary devices, leading to unsatisfactory exterior appearance and inefficient use of space, as these devices are designed independently and not optimally integrated with the main washing machine.

Innovation Solution

A unified cabinet design for washing machines that includes a primary cabinet for main laundry washing and a secondary cabinet for additional functions, with a single partition separating the spaces to enhance structural rigidity and eliminate unnecessary components, allowing for improved space utilization and aesthetic integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If independent auxiliary devices are installed at the washing machine, then additional functions are provided, but lots of works are required and exterior appearance becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionsVSAvoidassembly works

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device cabinet is merged with the main washing machine cabinet to form an integrated unified cabinet structure. The facing ends of the first and second cabinets are in contact with each other to form a single border line, eliminating gaps and creating a seamless appearance while reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified cabinet structure serves multiple functions: it houses both the main washing machine and auxiliary devices, provides structural support, and creates a seamless exterior appearance. The single partition between cabinets serves both as a structural element and a space-defining component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If independent auxiliary devices are installed at the washing machine, then additional functions are provided, but exterior appearance becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionsVSAvoidexterior appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional cabinet designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but space utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidinner space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The unified cabinet is segmented into a first cabinet for main laundry washing and a second cabinet for auxiliary functions, separated by a single partition. This segmentation optimizes space utilization by clearly defining functional zones while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single partition wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2063013B1Washing machine

Publication Date: 2013.09.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

A washing machine is disclosed. A washing includes a tub holding wash water, a drum rotatable within the tub to hold laundry, a first cabinet forming a first space provided with the tub and the drum to wash laundry, a second cabinet forming a second space for additional function, the second cabinet formed as one body with the first cabinet, and a single partition provided between the first and second cabinets to partition off the second space from the first space, wherein facing ends of the first and second cabinets are in contact with each other to form a single border line.