Fabric Care Module Layout for Easier Heat Pump Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric treating apparatuses have cumbersome maintenance and repair processes due to the interdependence of components like the steam generating module, heat pump module, and controller, which require removal of other devices for access, leading to inefficient space utilization and prolonged maintenance times.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a modular design with a casing, base, and supporters that allow independent removal and installation of the heat pump module, steam generating module, and controller, using fastening members and plastic deformation to secure components, enabling easier maintenance and improved space utilization within the machinery room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If devices are installed in a machinery room with limited space, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance and repair become cumbersome requiring removal of other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The machinery room is segmented into multiple levels using supporters with shelves. The heat pump module is positioned on an upper shelf while the controller and steam generating module are positioned on a lower shelf, creating vertical segmentation that allows independent access to each component without removing other devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement to vertical arrangement by introducing supporters with shelves at different heights. This vertical dimensionality change allows multiple devices to be stacked in the limited machinery room space while maintaining independent accessibility through front-facing positions.
2Productivity
If devices are arranged to maximize space utilization, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to interdependence for removal
Solution Approach 1:
Each device (heat pump module, controller, steam generating module) is segmented into independent units mounted on separate shelves. This segmentation eliminates interdependence, allowing any single device to be removed without affecting or requiring removal of other devices, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporter structure with multiple shelves serves as a universal mounting platform for different types of devices. This multi-functional support system accommodates various components with different sizes and shapes, reducing the need for device-specific mounting arrangements and simplifying the overall system.
3Area of stationary object
If devices are positioned to optimize space usage, then area utilization is improved, but maintenance time increases due to cumbersome removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging devices vertically on multi-level shelves rather than horizontally in a single plane, the patent maximizes the use of vertical space in the machinery room. This vertical arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining easy front-access for all devices, eliminating the need for time-consuming removal of other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporters and shelves are pre-installed in the machinery room before the devices are mounted. This preliminary preparation creates ready-made mounting positions that allow devices to be quickly installed and accessed, eliminating the need for complex assembly or removal sequences during maintenance operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fabric treating apparatus is disclosed including: a casing (10) having a treating chamber (11) in which clothes are kept, and a machinery room (12) formed below the treating chamber (11); a base (400) defining a bottom of the machinery room (12); a heat pump module (110) performing air-conditioning on air supplied to the treating chamber (11); at least one supporter (170) supporting the heat pump module (110) and limiting a predetermined space between the at least one supporter (170) and the base (400) below the heat pump module (110); a steam generating module (130) fixed onto the accomodating space and generating steam to be supplied to the treating chamber (11); and a controller (120) controlling at least one of the heat pump module (110) and the steam generating module (130) and disposed below the steam generating module (130) within the accomodating space.