Garment processing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry-treating apparatuses have limitations in pivoting door mechanisms, specifically in switching the pivoting direction and axis position, which can lead to noise and user convenience issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a dual-pivoting axis system with a handle-actuated mechanism that allows the door to pivot around two axes, enabling easy switching of the pivoting axis from left to right or right to left, and incorporates a damper and power transmission mechanism to minimize noise and user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-pivoting axis door mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the pivoting direction cannot be switched and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door mechanism transitions from a fixed single-axis hinge to a dynamic dual-axis system where the active pivoting axis can be switched between left and right sides. The controller enables the door to adapt its pivoting behavior based on operational requirements, allowing the system to change its degree of freedom from one to two rotational axes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door hinge system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pivot around the left axis, pivot around the right axis, or remain fixed. This multi-functional capability allows the same mechanical structure to accommodate different opening directions and user preferences without requiring separate mechanisms for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-pivoting axis system is implemented, then pivoting axis switching is enabled, but noise increases during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is programmed to detect and compensate for potential noise-generating conditions before they occur. By monitoring the door's position, speed, and acceleration, the system can pre-adjust operational parameters to minimize impact forces and noise during axis switching and door movement, rather than reacting after noise is generated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to monitor door movement parameters in real-time and feeds this information back to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts motor commands to smooth out movements, reduce vibrations, and minimize noise during pivoting axis switching and door operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual axis switching is required, then the mechanism is simple, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door system performs axis switching automatically without requiring manual intervention. The controller detects user intent through handle operation patterns and autonomously commands the motor to reposition the inactive pivot axis, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust mechanical components and reducing switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical axis switching with an automated motor-driven system. Instead of requiring users to physically move and secure pivot axes, an electric motor controlled by a microcontroller handles the repositioning, significantly reducing both user effort and switching time while improving precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shafts and controllers are added for dual pivoting, then pivoting flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis pivoting system is divided into modular components: left pivot mechanism, right pivot mechanism, sensor modules, and control modules. Each component can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete door assembly. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process despite the increased overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A door of a garment processing device includes four hinges which may be interchanged regarding a location on the door, and a series of interconnected arms that allow a pivot axis of the door to be changed from a first direction to a second direction by manipulation of a handle on the door.