Laundry Door Hinge Switching for Stable Dual-Axis Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses lack the ability to switch between rotational axes of the door smoothly and prevent unintended switching during door operation, which can lead to inefficient opening and closing of the introduction port.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a manipulation unit, first and second locks, and a rotational axis switching unit, allowing the door to rotate about two different axes, with the locks ensuring the door remains fixed to a chosen axis unless manually switched by the user, using a combination of hinges, shafts, and elastic support units to maintain axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the door is configured to rotate about a single vertical axis, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability and user control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The door system transitions from a fixed single-axis rotation to a dynamic multi-axis rotation system. The door can switch between rotating about a first vertical axis (when closed) and a second vertical axis (when open), allowing adaptive movement based on operational state. This dynamic reconfiguration enables flexible door opening directions while maintaining structural integrity through controlled axis switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed to perform multiple rotational functions through a single integrated structure. By incorporating multiple rotational axes (first vertical axis and second vertical axis) that can be selectively engaged, the door system achieves multi-functionality - capable of both closing operations and various opening directions (inward, outward, sideways) without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
2Ease of operation
If the door can switch between rotational axes freely, then the operational flexibility is improved, but unintended axis switching during door operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for axis switching by defining predetermined switching positions and conditions. Before actual switching occurs, the control unit evaluates whether the door has reached the appropriate position and whether switching conditions are met. This preliminary assessment ensures that axis switching only happens when safe and intended, preventing unintended transitions during critical door operation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors door position, rotational state, and operational context to determine when axis switching should occur. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect the current state (closed, opening, open) and selectively engage the appropriate rotational axis only when conditions warrant it, thereby maintaining stability during operation while enabling flexibility when needed.
3Reliability
If manual switching between rotational axes is required, then unintended switching is prevented, but the operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door system performs axis switching automatically based on detected conditions and positions, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The control unit autonomously determines when switching between the first and second vertical axes is appropriate and executes the switching operation, thereby maintaining reliable control while minimizing time loss by removing manual操作步骤.
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus (100) is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus (100) includes a cabinet (1) having an introduction port (111), a door (3) configured to open and close the introduction port (111), a first hinge (51) including a first shaft (511b) provided at either one selected from between the cabinet (1) and the door (3) to define a first rotational axis of the door (3) and a first shaft receiving unit (513b) provided at the other one selected from between the cabinet (1) and the door (3) such that the first shaft (511b) is detachably received in the first shaft receiving unit (513b), a second hinge (53) including a second shaft (531c) coupled to the door (3) to define the first rotational axis together with the first shaft and a third shaft configured to rotatably fix the second shaft to the cabinet and to define a second rotational axis of the door, a third hinge (51) including a fourth shaft (551a) provided at either one selected from between the cabinet (1) and the door (3) to define the second rotational axis together with the third shaft (553c) and a fourth shaft receiving unit (555) provided at the other one selected from between the cabinet (1) and the door (3) such that the fourth shaft (551a) is detachably received in the fourth shaft receiving unit (555), a first switching unit (61) provided in the door (3) in a reciprocating fashion to open and close the first shaft receiving unit (513b), a second switching unit (63) provided in the door in a reciprocating fashion to open and close the fourth shaft receiving unit (555), the second switching unit (63) being configured to close the fourth shaft receiving unit (555) when the first switching unit (61) moves in a direction in which the first shaft receiving unit (61) is opened, and a withdrawal prevention unit (9) configured to detachably couple second switching unit (63) to the third hinge (55) when the second switching unit (63) closes the fourth shaft receiving unit (555).