Device for treating laundry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment appliances with bases supporting poles for ironing or steaming suffer from bending issues due to the weight of the masts, leading to a lack of stability and solidity, as the rigidity of the upper shell is insufficient to maintain the masts effectively.
Innovation Solution
The appliance features a base with an upper and lower shell, where the lower shell includes a cavity for ballast to increase stability, and incorporates guide columns and reinforcing ribs to enhance the rigidity and retention of the masts, with the ballast reinforcing the lower shell and the guide columns being masked by the upper shell for a discreet and rigid assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper shell is made rigid to support the masts, then the mast support capability is improved, but the overall base rigidity deteriorates due to insufficient lower shell reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into an upper shell and a lower shell, with the lower shell containing a cavity for ballast. This segmentation allows the upper shell to focus on mast support while the lower shell with ballast provides overall base stability and rigidity, resolving the contradiction between mast support capability and base rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
A ballast is placed in the cavity of the lower shell to counterbalance the weight of the masts and ironing board. This counterweight principle enhances the base rigidity and prevents bending, allowing the upper shell to effectively support the masts without compromising overall base stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ballast cavity is open to allow easy access, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural integrity and rigidity of the lower shell deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast is placed in the cavity during the manufacturing process before the final assembly. The cavity is then closed by welding or gluing, which reinforces the lower shell structure. This preliminary action allows easy ballast installation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity cover is merged with the lower shell through welding or gluing, creating a unified structure. This merging enhances the lower shell rigidity while the cavity remains accessible during manufacturing for ballast placement, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the guide columns are exposed for functional access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and structural discretion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide columns are nested within the upper shell, which provides a clean external appearance. The upper shell can be removed or opened to access the guide columns and masts for operation. This nesting principle hides the structural elements for aesthetic purposes while maintaining functional accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Laundry treatment apparatus comprising a base (1) from which extends at least one mast (2) intended to support a garment to be ironed and/or de-wrinkled, said base (1) comprising an upper shell (11) attached to a lower shell (10), the lower shell (10) comprising a cavity (12) receiving a ballast (7) intended to increase the stability of the base (1), characterized in that the lower shell (10) comprises a guide column (14) into which said mast (2) is inserted.