Clothes treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothes treatment apparatuses lack functional versatility in combining air flow paths, struggle with removing ultrafine dust, and have difficulties in providing outside air and efficient filter management.
Innovation Solution
A clothes treatment apparatus with a modular design featuring multiple air flow paths, including bypass, filtering, and ventilation paths, equipped with a HEPA filter, a steam module, and a valve actuating system that allows for selection of different modes to control air flow and steam distribution, along with a filter module that can be easily replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air is directed through the filter portion to remove dust, then air purification is improved, but steam cannot be effectively supplied to clothes
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path is divided into separate bypass flow path and filtering flow path, allowing independent control of steam supply and dust removal functions. The bypass flow path enables steam to reach clothes without passing through the filter, while the filtering flow path handles dust removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controllable valves to dynamically switch between different flow paths based on operational requirements. The valve actuating module adjusts the flow path configuration in real-time, enabling the system to adapt between steam-only mode, filtration mode, and combined modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow paths are provided for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified structure that includes both bypass and filtering pathways. The same basic infrastructure supports steam supply, dust removal, and combined operations, reducing the need for entirely separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve actuating module serves as an intermediary control mechanism that manages the complexity of multiple flow paths. By centralizing the control function in a dedicated module, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining versatile flow path configuration capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the filter module is made easily removable for user maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter module is designed as a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently removed and replaced by the user. This segmentation allows the filter to be maintained without disassembling the entire apparatus, improving ease of operation while keeping the added structural complexity localized to the modular component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances functional versatility, effectively removes impurities, supplies fresh air, and allows for efficient steam distribution without passing steam through the filter, improving air quality and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a filter module having a filter portion for filtering out dust from air passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a fan for moving the air in the air flow path
Implementation Method 3
at least one valve disposed on the air flow path; a valve actuating module for actuating the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus comprises: a cabinet forming a treatment space for storing clothes; a filter module having a filter portion for filtering out dust from air passing therethrough; an air flow path having a plurality of preset flow paths for directing air to be discharged into the treatment space; a fan for moving the air in the air flow path; at least one valve disposed on the air flow path; a valve actuating module for actuating the valve; and a control part for controlling the valve actuating module so as to select one of the plurality of flow paths. The plurality of flow paths comprise: at least one bypass flow path for directing the air to bypass the filter portion; and at least one filtering flow path for directing the air to pass through the filter portion.