Washing Machines

Challenges

Many people worldwide wash clothes manually, but the detergents are chemically harmful, and the repetitive motion of scrubbing is straining to the muscles and joints.

Approaches

Build a washing machine based on this inexpensive and durable design for use in rural areas. Use only Replimat components wherever possible. Gently wash clothes using pedal or solar electric power.

Cycle

• first fill
• second fill
• detergent release
• rinse / sanitize
• spin

Prototype

• 

  Washer gear assembly

• 

  Washer front

• 

  Washer inside

Parts

Quantity	Part	Link
2	bicycle bottom bracket adapter

Bottom bracket

• 

  Bicycle bottom bracket adapter CAD

• 

  Bicycle bottom bracket adapter left side

• 

  Bicycle bottom bracket adapter right side

• 

  Cranks installed

References

File:The Pedal-Powered Washing Machine - Jenny Hu, Radu Raduta, Jessica Vechakul, Allen Armstrong.pdf
File:Unequal Loads - The Gender Division of Laundry - Claire Kovach.pdf