Laundry treating apparatus

The patent applies dynamics by making the support assembly movable rather than fixed. The support assembly can move between a first position (for drying) and a second position (for wrinkle removal), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the operational phase. This dynamic repositioning enables the laundry to be supported in an unfolded state during wrinkle removal while maintaining drying capability when in the first position.

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning the support assembly to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the drum's rotation axis. This creates a new spatial arrangement where laundry can be supported in three-dimensional space rather than being confined to the traditional drum rubbing motion, enabling wrinkle removal through gravitational unfolding while maintaining drying through air circulation.

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between drum rotation phases (for drying) and support assembly repositioning phases (for wrinkle removal). The control unit manages periodic transitions between different operational modes, allowing the laundry to experience drying friction intermittently followed by wrinkle removal periods, thereby achieving both drying efficiency and fabric smoothness over the treatment cycle.

The patent extracts the wrinkle removal function from the continuous drum rotation process by introducing a separate support assembly mechanism. This independent support system can be activated selectively to provide wrinkle removal without requiring continuous drum friction, thereby separating the drying function from the wrinkle formation cause and enabling independent optimization of both functions.

The patent applies dynamics by making the water discharge tank extendable rather than fixed. The tank can extend in the radial direction of the drum to increase storage capacity when needed and retract to a compact size when not in use. This dynamic extension mechanism allows the system to provide large condensate storage capacity only during periods when water collection is required, reducing the need for permanently complex structures.

The patent implements nesting by designing the extendable tank to be retractable into the drum structure. When the tank is not in use, it nests within the drum housing, minimizing the overall device footprint and complexity. When extension is required, the tank protrudes radially to provide additional storage capacity, allowing the system to maintain a compact form factor while providing large storage capability on demand.

The patent applies universality by designing the support assembly to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a drying support structure and a wrinkle removal mechanism. The same support assembly that holds laundry in an unfolded state during wrinkle removal also provides structural support during drying operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving wrinkle prevention.

The patent merges the support assembly with the existing drum structure and control system. The support assembly is integrated into the drum housing and controlled by the existing control unit, combining multiple functions into a unified system. This merging approach allows the support assembly to work in coordination with the drum rotation and air supply systems, achieving wrinkle removal without requiring entirely separate independent mechanisms, thus limiting complexity increase.