Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses face issues with door sagging and breakage due to concentrated load on fastening bosses, and require multiple door designs for different installation positions, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a hinge assembly and latch assembly that allows for flexible mounting on either edge of the door, dispersing the load across the door cover and frame, and enabling a single door design for various installations without rotating the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hinge assembly is fixed to the door rear surface by a fastening boss, then the door can be coupled to the cabinet, but the load of the door is concentrated on the fastening boss causing door sagging and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate components: a hinge cover that attaches to the door frame, and a hinge body that pivotally connects to the cabinet. This segmentation distributes the door load across multiple attachment points (hinge cover to door frame, hinge body to cabinet) rather than concentrating it on a single fastening boss, thereby preventing door sagging and breakage while maintaining coupling functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hinge structures are formed at different edges of the laundry receiving hole to allow selection of pivot shaft position, then the door can be installed at different positions, but the manufacturing cost increases and vertical load is excessively applied to the front panel
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal component that can be installed at either the left or right edge of the laundry receiving hole. The hinge cover and hinge body configuration allows the same assembly design to serve multiple installation positions, providing adaptability without requiring multiple different hinge structures. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining installation flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the door shape and structure are made symmetrical to allow 180 degree rotation for changing hinge position, then the pivot shaft position can be changed, but this restricts design freedom and may compromise door functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a pivotal connection between the hinge body and the cabinet, allowing the door to dynamically adjust its position. The hinge cover attaches to the door frame while the hinge body pivots on the cabinet, enabling the door to be installed at different positions (left or right edge) without requiring the door itself to be symmetrical or rotatable. This dynamic hinge mechanism provides adaptability while preserving door design freedom and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet having a laundry receiving hole defined in a front surface portion thereof; a door pivotally coupled to the front surface of the cabinet for selectively opening and closing the laundry receiving hole, the door including: a door cover defining a front appearance; and a door frame coupled to a rear surface of the door cover; a hinge assembly pivotally connecting the door to the front surface of the cabinet, the hinge assembly including: a hinge cover; and a hinge body pivotally coupled to the hinge cover; and a latch assembly coupled to an edge of a rear surface of the door. A mount rib is inserted into a mount rib receiving groove to prevent sagging of the door.