Reciprocating Hanger Rack Layout for Uniform Fabric Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric treating apparatuses have low space efficiency due to the internal placement of the driving unit, leading to increased width and inefficient drying, as well as issues with non-uniform airflow and condensation causing wet fabrics and unsanitary conditions.

Innovation Solution

The driving unit is positioned outside the treating chamber, with a transmission system that reciprocates the hanger rack and includes a fan to circulate air, ensuring uniform airflow and reducing the need for additional driving mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driving unit is disposed inside or side of the treating chamber, then the hanger rack can be moved to treat fabrics, but the width of the apparatus increases and space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanger rack movementVSAvoidapparatus width
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The driving unit is relocated from the horizontal side placement to the vertical upper exterior position. This dimensional change allows the driving mechanism to be positioned above the treating chamber rather than beside it, reducing the apparatus width while maintaining full functionality of the hanger rack movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the driving unit is disposed inside the treating chamber, then the hanger rack can be reciprocated, but the space efficiency of the treating chamber decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanger rack reciprocationVSAvoidtreating chamber space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The driving unit is extracted from the interior space of the treating chamber and positioned on the exterior upper side. This extraction removes the driving mechanism from the treating chamber volume, maximizing the available space for fabric treatment while preserving the reciprocation function through the transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If hot wind and steam are supplied to the treating chamber, then fabrics can be dried and treated, but condensation occurs on the inner wall causing wet fabrics and unsanitary conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidcondensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger rack reciprocating mechanism creates mechanical motion that agitates the air and steam distribution within the treating chamber. This reciprocation promotes more uniform circulation of hot wind and steam, preventing stagnant zones where condensation would form on the inner walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a circulating airflow pattern where the reciprocating hanger rack continuously redistributes the hot wind and steam throughout the chamber. This dynamic feedback mechanism prevents localized overheating and condensation by maintaining uniform temperature and humidity distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If a fan is added to circulate air in the treating chamber, then drying efficiency and airflow uniformity improve, but an extra driving unit is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoiddriving unit quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driving unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to reciprocate the hanger rack and to rotate the fan. This single driving mechanism performs dual functions: moving the hanger rack back and forth for fabric treatment and simultaneously circulating air through the fan, thereby improving drying efficiency without increasing the number of driving units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of the driving unit are merged to include both hanger rack reciprocation and fan rotation. By combining these two functions into a single driving mechanism, the system achieves improved air circulation and drying performance without the need for separate additional motors or driving components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enhances space efficiency, improves drying efficiency, prevents condensation, and maintains a clean environment by ensuring uniform airflow and eliminating the need for extra driving units, resulting in a more effective and sanitary fabric treatment process.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit for supplying any one between hot wind and steam to the treating chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot wind heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a heating unit for supplying any one between hot wind and steam to the treating chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteam treatment: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

a fan which is rotated by the driving unit and circulates air in the treating chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 4

a transmission unit for reciprocating the hanger rack by transmitting the rotary power of the driving unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical power transmission: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2385998B1Fabric treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.10.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2385998B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2385998B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2385998B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A present invention relates to a fabric treating apparatus including an inside cabinet which forms a treating chamber which the fabrics treated in, and a heating unit for supplying any one between hot wind and steam to the treating chamber, and a hanger rack disposed in the treating chamber, and a driving unit for generating rotary power outside the treating chamber and is disposed upper part of the inside cabinet, and a transmission unit for reciprocating the hanger rack by transmitting the rotary power of the driving unit.