Washing Machine Sub-Door Design for Mid-Cycle Laundry Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines restrict the ability to insert laundry items or detergent during an ongoing washing cycle, requiring users to wait until the cycle is complete or drained before adding more items.
Innovation Solution
A front-loading washing machine design featuring a sub-door and connection chute system that allows for the insertion of laundry items or detergent through a second laundry item inlet, even when the main door is closed, enabling continuous access during the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door is closed to maintain washing operation, then washing reliability is improved, but the ability to insert laundry items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into a main door and a sub-door, allowing independent operation of each. The main door remains closed during washing to maintain reliability, while the sub-door can be opened to insert laundry items through the second laundry item inlet, thus resolving the contradiction between washing stability and insertion flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-door is added to enable continuous access, then laundry item insertion flexibility is improved, but door structure complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-door is nested within the main door structure, with the second laundry item inlet formed at the front surface of the door and the sub-door positioned to open into this inlet. This nesting approach enables continuous access functionality while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the door glass protrudes inward to form connection chute, then laundry item guidance is improved, but door sealing difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
A connection chute is introduced as an intermediary structure that bridges the space between the protruding door glass and the drum opening. The connection chute receives laundry items guided by the door glass and directs them into the drum, effectively separating the guidance function from the sealing function and simplifying the overall design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine of the present disclosure includes a cabinet having a first opening and a door assembly provided to open and close the first opening, wherein the door assembly includes a door main body having a second opening provided to be opened and closed independently of the first opening and a rear holder corresponding to the first opening, and the rear holder includes a door sealing unit spaced apart from the second opening and provided to come in contact with a diaphragm to seal the inside of the cabinet when the first opening is closed by the door assembly. By the configuration, the cabinet can be sealed more effectively, and laundry items or detergent may be additionally inserted even during a washing process.