Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses are inadequate in preventing or removing wrinkles from laundry, as they provide continuous friction, which is insufficient for drying and wrinkle removal.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a support assembly that fixes laundry in an unfolded state, using air or water vapor, and includes a system for automatically extending a water discharge tank and a water supply tank to enhance drying, deodorization, and wrinkle removal, while improving user convenience by moving the laundry or hanger towards the insertion opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drum is used to rub and rotate laundry continuously, then drying capability is improved, but wrinkle removal capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed to be movable along the width direction of the laundry receiving space rather than fixed. It can reciprocate between a first position (when door is closed) and a second position (when door is open), dynamically adapting to different operational states. This dynamic positioning enables both effective drying through continuous air circulation and convenient laundry loading/unloading without wrinkles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly performs periodic reciprocating motion between two positions based on door state. When the door closes, it moves to the first position for optimal drying; when the door opens, it moves to the second position for easy laundry access. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by providing different configurations for different functional requirements.
2Device complexity
If the support assembly is fixed in the laundry receiving space, then structural simplicity is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure that reciprocates along the width direction. It is driven by a conveying mechanism including a rack and pinion, allowing it to automatically position itself based on door state, thereby improving user convenience without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly automatically positions itself based on door detection. When the door opens, the conveying mechanism activates to move the support assembly to the second position, facilitating easy laundry loading. When the door closes, it returns to the first position for optimal drying. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the user.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the chamber door remains closed to maintain sealing, then energy efficiency is improved, but water tank accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water discharge tank and water supply tank are nested within the chamber door structure itself. The tanks are positioned in recesses or compartments of the door, allowing them to be integrated into the door's architecture. This nesting enables the tanks to be accessible when the door opens without compromising the sealed enclosure during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tanks are pre-positioned within the chamber door structure, ready for filling and emptying operations. The door design anticipates the need for water tank access by incorporating dedicated spaces and access mechanisms, so that when the door opens, the tanks are immediately accessible without requiring additional manual manipulation or disassembly.
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 apparatus effectively dries, deodorizes, and removes wrinkles from laundry using air or water vapor, automatically collects condensate water, and enhances user convenience by simplifying the process of loading and unloading laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger provided inside the duct to dehumidify air entering the duct
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger provided inside the duct to heat air passing through the first heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet; a laundry receiving space defined in the cabinet and configured for receiving laundry therein; an insertion opening defined in a front face of the cabinet and in fluid communication with the laundry receiving space; a door rotatably fixed to the cabinet to open and close the insertion opening; a supply unit configured to supply at least one of air or water vapor to the laundry receiving space; a support assembly provided in the laundry receiving space and configured to support the laundry; and a conveying part configured to move the support assembly toward the insertion opening when the door opens the insertion opening.