Clothes treating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes treating systems lack an efficient method for connecting and controlling multiple apparatuses, such as washing machines and dryers, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases the risk of damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A circuitry module with a transmission circuit board and a connection circuit board is integrated into the first clothes treating apparatus, allowing for control and communication between connected clothes treating apparatuses, including a washing machine and a dryer, to simplify the connection structure and protect internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clothes treating apparatuses are connected and controlled separately, then each apparatus can be controlled independently, but the control structure becomes complex and the manufacturing process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a controller that can control both the first clothes treating apparatus (washing machine) and the second clothes treating apparatus (dryer), eliminating the need for separate control systems for each device. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to control each apparatus independently through the unified controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple types of clothes treating apparatuses. The controller can execute different control algorithms and communication protocols to accommodate both washing machines and dryers, allowing a single control system to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated control units for each device type.
2Ease of manufacture
If connection circuits are exposed during assembly, then wiring can be accessed easily, but the risk of damage to internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the connection circuit board is housed within a dedicated connection circuit case. The control circuit board is positioned in the control space, and the connection circuit case is integrated into the overall control apparatus structure. This nesting arrangement protects the connection circuits while maintaining organized accessibility during assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection circuit case serves as an intermediary protective structure between the external environment and the sensitive connection circuits. This intermediate housing provides mechanical protection and organized access points, allowing wiring to be connected safely without direct exposure to the circuits, thereby reducing the risk of damage during assembly while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Volume of stationary object
If circuit boards are mounted on multiple surfaces, then space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional mounting by placing the control circuit board on the first surface (rear surface) of the control apparatus and the connection circuit board on the second surface (side surface) of the control apparatus. This multi-surface mounting approach efficiently utilizes available space within the control apparatus housing, reducing the overall volume required while accommodating multiple circuit boards in a compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus is segmented into distinct mounting zones with clearly defined first and second surfaces. Each circuit board is dedicated to a specific surface and function, with the control circuit board handling main control functions and the connection circuit board handling inter-apparatus communication. This segmentation simplifies the mounting process by providing dedicated spaces for each board, reducing the precision requirements compared to attempting to mount all circuits on a single surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treating system including a first clothes treating apparatus including a circuitry module to control the first clothes treating apparatus, the circuitry module including a circuitry case, a connection circuit board mounted inside the circuitry case, and a control panel to cover the circuitry module. The connection circuit board is configured to be connectable by wire to a second clothes treating apparatus positioned at one side of the first clothes treating apparatus. The circuitry module is configured to control the first clothes treating apparatus and the second clothes treating apparatus when the second clothes treating apparatus is connected to the first clothes treating apparatus.