Low Energy Washing Machine - Prototype Development for Assisted Living

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This Project is intended to progress the development of a low energy washing machine andproduce a small number of pre-production prototypes, that will be designed for use within theAssisted Living Sector, as the user friendly nature of the design make them particularlysuitable for use by people who have limited and or restricted mobility.That concept is that the clothes are washed and dried while placed on hangers in the washingmachine cabinet, with a large access door and simple user interface, as there is no rotationaldrum, no need to be floor mounted, no minimum wash size, altogether a much simpler andmore user friendly product.The Project will take an existing prototype, the output of a successful previous TSB grant, thatproved that the concept is capable of replicating the cleaning performance of conventionalwashing machines, using a standard liquid soap.This will be achieved through various Work Packages and engagement with an existingstakeholder network.• The existing test rig will be used by C-Tech Innovation to undertake a Value andLifecycle Assessment (to ISO 14040) and to test components for suitability.• Engage with the Blackwood Foundation, to undertake user feedback with a visualdemonstrator and focus groups of people with limited mobility, to provide cardinal pointdimensional specifications• Work with EBAC, E3 Design, Echo Brand Design and Godrej and Boyce and‘Should Cost’ modellers to develop an In-Service operational specification and produce a Billof Material• Continue existing and develop new IPR, for the washing machine, hangers andsystem, with Forresters• Produce 5 – 6 pre-production prototypes, for installation and use within theBlackwood Organisation