Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses have limitations in door rotation axes, leading to incomplete closure of the introduction port, potential damage to supporting components, and inconvenience in switching between rotational axes during door operation.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a door that can rotate about two different axes, allowing users to switch between them, featuring a handle mechanism and locking system to ensure proper alignment and prevent axis switching during rotation, and a damper to control rotational speed and prevent component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a door rotates about a single vertical axis, then the structure is simple, but the introduction port cannot be completely closed
Solution Approach 1:
The door system transitions from a fixed single-axis rotation to a dynamic multi-axis rotation capability. The door can rotate about a first rotational axis (vertical axis) and a second rotational axis (horizontal axis), allowing adaptive positioning to achieve complete closure of the introduction port while accommodating different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a second rotational dimension to the door system. By introducing rotation about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, the door gains the ability to move in multiple directions and achieve complete closure of the introduction port, which was not possible with single-axis rotation alone
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can switch between rotational axes, then operational flexibility is improved, but switching during rotation may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism prevents axis switching during door rotation by detecting the rotational state and blocking the switching operation. This preliminary protective action avoids the harmful effects of switching during rotation, such as component damage or operational failures, before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the locking mechanism that monitors the door's rotational state and provides real-time control over axis switching. When the door is detected to be in rotation, the locking mechanism prevents switching operations, ensuring safe operation while still allowing switching when appropriate
3Speed
If rotational speed is not controlled, then operation is fast, but supporting components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The damper provides beforehand cushioning by controlling the rotational speed of the door before it can cause damage to supporting components. The damper dissipates excess kinetic energy and limits maximum rotational speed, preventing harmful effects while allowing normal operational speed
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
Enables complete closure of the introduction port, prevents damage to supporting components, and facilitates convenient switching between rotational axes, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the door mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a damper to control rotational speed and prevent component damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet (1) comprising a front panel (11) having an introduction port (111), a laundry receiving unit (2) positioned in the cabinet to receive laundry introduced through the introduction port, a door (3) to open and close the introduction port, a first hinge (51) comprising a first shaft (511b) provided at one selected from between the cabinet and the door to define a first rotational axis of the door and a first shaft receiving unit (513b) provided at the other selected from between the cabinet and the door to receive the first shaft, a second hinge (53) comprising a second shaft (531c) coupled to the door to define the first rotational axis together with the first shaft and a third shaft (533c) to rotatably fix the second shaft to the cabinet, the third shaft defining a second rotational axis of the door, a third hinge (55) comprising a fourth shaft (551a) provided at one selected from between the cabinet and the door to define the second rotational axis together with the third shaft and a fourth shaft receiving unit (555) provided at the other selected from between the cabinet and the door to receive the fourth shaft, a first switching unit (61) provided in the door in a reciprocating fashion to open and close the first shaft receiving unit (513b), the first switching unit (61) having one end protruding into the first shaft receiving unit, and a second switching unit (63) provided in the door (3) in a reciprocating fashion to open and close the fourth shaft receiving unit (555), the second switching unit (62) closing the fourth shaft receiving unit (555) when the first switching unit (61) moves in a direction in which the first shaft receiving unit (513b) is opened.