Dual-Axis Laundry Door Locking for Secure Axis Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry treating apparatuses face issues with the door mechanism, where the handle design restricts user convenience, particularly when switching between rotational axes, and there is a risk of accidental separation of shafts during operation, leading to incomplete closure and potential damage from excessive rotational speed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a dual-rotational axis door mechanism with a lock system that fixes the switching units' positions when the door opens, ensuring secure closure and preventing shaft separation, and includes a damper to regulate rotational speed and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single rotational axis door mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the door cannot rotate in multiple directions reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The door mechanism transitions from a fixed single-axis rotational system to a dynamic multi-axis system where the rotational axis can switch between first and second axes. The switching unit enables the door to adaptively change its rotation axis based on operational requirements, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled dynamic reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door can switch between multiple rotational axes, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of accidental shaft separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is engaged in advance to prevent accidental separation of the shaft and switching unit. By applying a restraining force before potential separation can occur, the system proactively counteracts the risk associated with multi-axis rotational switching, ensuring reliable connection during door operation.
3Productivity
If the door rotates quickly to improve operation speed, then productivity is improved, but mechanical damage from excessive speed may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is incorporated to provide cushioning against excessive rotational speed before mechanical damage can occur. By dissipating kinetic energy through damping during door rotation, the system protects mechanical components from damage while maintaining efficient operation speed, balancing productivity with component protection.
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
The solution enhances user convenience by facilitating easy axis switching, ensures complete door closure, and prevents mechanical damage by stabilizing the door's rotational speed, thus improving the overall operation and durability of the laundry treating apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a damper to regulate rotational speed and prevent damage
Data Source
AI summary
The laundry treating apparatus includes a door to open and close the introduction port about a first rotational or a second rotational axis which is different from first rotational axis. A first switching unit is provided in the door to allow rotation of door about the first rotational axis, and a second switching unit is provided in the door to allow rotation of the door about the second rotational axis. A lock fixes a position of at least one of the first switching unit or second switching unit when the door opens the introduction port. As can be appreciated, the mechanism used for the laundry apparatus may be applicable to other home appliances or non-home appliances where two different rotational axes may be needed to open and close a door.