Air-Circulating Hanger with Wind Guard for Drying and De-Wrinkling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hanger devices lack the ability to efficiently dry clothes while also providing air purification, humidity control, and wrinkle removal, and often require manual adjustment for optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A hanger device with a built-in fan module, filtering module, and steam supply system that circulates indoor air, includes a wind guard that moves vertically to guide air flow, and features a display screen for environmental data, allowing for automated control of air flow and steam distribution based on the weight and location of hung items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hanger device is designed to dry clothes using air circulation, then drying function is provided, but the device cannot simultaneously purify air, control humidity, and remove wrinkles without additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (drying, air purification, humidity control, and wrinkle removal) into a single hanger device by integrating a fan module, filter, steam supply device, and control unit into one unified system, allowing the device to perform multiple functions simultaneously without requiring separate appliances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger device is designed as a universal appliance that can handle various clothing treatment needs through its multi-functional capabilities - it can dry wet clothes, purify ambient air, control humidity levels, and remove wrinkles from garments, making it adaptable to diverse user requirements

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

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment is required for optimal drying performance, then user control is possible, but operation convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically detects the weight and location of hung items and autonomously adjusts air flow and steam distribution without requiring manual user intervention, enabling the device to optimize its performance based on real-time conditions while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates sensors that detect item weight and position, providing feedback to the control unit which then automatically adjusts the fan speed and steam supply accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes drying performance based on actual conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If air flow is not properly guided, then device structure is simple, but drying efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidair flow guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wind guard acts as an intermediary component that directs and channels air flow from the fan module toward the hung items, ensuring efficient air circulation and heat distribution without requiring complex structural modifications to the overall device design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device reduces drying time, purifies indoor air, controls humidity, and automatically adjusts air flow and steam distribution for optimal drying and wrinkle removal, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a body having at least one opening to allow air to be suctioned into the body and at least one discharge port to allow suctioned air to be forced out of the body; a fan module provided inside the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a filter configured to remove foreign substances contained in the suctioned air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a steam supply device for supplying steam to the discharge port and the hanging unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteam generation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 4

a heater configured to heat the air that has passed through the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 5

at least one wind guard provided in front of the hanging unit, and configured to guide a flow of the air toward the hanging unit which has been discharged from the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow guidance: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4206387B1Hanger device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4206387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4206387B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4206387B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A hanger device according to the present disclosure comprises a body (11, 110) having at least one opening (openings of cover 13, 1232) to allow air to be suctioned into the body and at least one discharge port (1207, 1223b, or 1223c) to allow suctioned air to be forced out of the body. A fan module (15, 15a) is provided inside the body. A filter (60) is configured to remove foreign substances contained in the suctioned air. A hanging unit (50, 50a) extends from the bottom surface of the main body. At least one wind guard (20a) is provided in front of the hanging unit, and may be configured to move in a vertical direction, and a driving unit (18a) may slide the wind guard in a vertical direction.