Laundry treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading laundry treatment apparatuses are inconvenient for users due to the need to stoop when loading or unloading laundry, as the introduction port is positioned lower than waist level, and there is a risk of the apparatus tipping over when the drawer is drawn, potentially leading to instability and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus design that includes a second detachable treatment apparatus mounted on the upper surface, which includes a connector unit that only allows operation when the second apparatus is in place, preventing the first apparatus from being used unless the second is mounted, thus stabilizing the system and preventing tipping. This design features a connector unit that opens and closes circuits to control the operation of the driving and control units based on the presence of the second apparatus, ensuring safe and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a front-loading laundry treatment apparatus is designed with a low introduction port to maintain a compact cabinet structure, then the cabinet stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must stoop to load/unload laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by adding a support platform that raises the introduction port height, allowing users to load laundry at a more convenient height without compromising the overall compact cabinet structure. This dimensional adjustment resolves the contradiction between low introduction port and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a support platform is added to raise the introduction port height for user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it raises the introduction port height for ergonomic operation, provides structural support to prevent cabinet tipping when the drawer is opened, and creates a stable mounting surface for the second laundry treatment apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If the drawer is made large enough to hold sufficient laundry capacity, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of cabinet tipping over when the drawer is drawn increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform acts as a counterweight structure positioned above the cabinet's center of gravity. When the drawer is pulled open, the platform's weight and position provide a stabilizing moment that counteracts the tipping force generated by the large drawer's movement, allowing the cabinet to remain stable even with high laundry capacity.
4Reliability
If a connector unit is added to prevent operation without the second apparatus to ensure safety, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The connector unit utilizes the weight of the second laundry treatment apparatus itself as the triggering mechanism. When the second apparatus is placed on the support platform, its weight automatically closes the circuit through the switch, enabling operation without requiring separate sensors, detectors, or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the presence of the apparatus as the control signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an upper surface, the upper surface being configured to receive an object thereon, a drawer adapted to be drawn from the cabinet, a drum disposed in the drawer and defining a space for receiving laundry, a driving unit configured to rotate the drum, a control unit configured to control the driving unit, and a connector unit configured to impact an ability of the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on whether or not the object is placed on the upper surface of the cabinet by preventing the control unit from controlling operation of the driving unit based on the object being absent from the upper surface of the cabinet and by allowing the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on the object being placed on the upper surface of the cabinet.