Laundry treating apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in integrating a touch screen on the door, including issues with mechanical fastening, alignment, and moisture sealing, which affect the aesthetic appeal and reliability of the interface.

Innovation Solution

A door structure with a door cover and frame configuration that includes non-light-transmitting and light-transmitting regions, allowing for a circular display appearance while using a rectangular display module, and a sealant filling groove to prevent sealant leakage and enhance joint strength, along with a touch sensor integrated with the door cover to sense touch inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a mechanical fastening structure (bracket, hook) is used to couple the door cover to the door frame, then the joint strength is improved, but it becomes difficult to use with glass material door covers and achieve high-quality aesthetic appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidease of coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (brackets, hooks) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). The adhesive is applied to the inner side of the door frame to couple the door cover, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that are incompatible with glass materials and compromise aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding method from mechanical to chemical by using adhesive with specific properties. The adhesive is applied in a controlled manner at specific positions on the door frame to achieve both strong bonding and aesthetic appearance without visible fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the adhesive is coated at an inner side of the door frame far away from the edge portion to prevent leakage, then the appearance quality is improved, but the joint strength deteriorates and foreign substances can easily infiltrate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance qualityVSAvoidjoint strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the door frame structure by adding a protrusion that creates a distinct adhesive application zone. This protrusion separates the adhesive coating area from the visible outer surface, allowing adhesive to be applied near the edge for maximum bonding strength while preventing it from leaking to the exterior where it would affect appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion acts as an intermediary structure between the adhesive and the outer surface. It provides a platform for adhesive application close to the edge while serving as a physical barrier that prevents adhesive leakage to the visible exterior, thus mediating between bonding strength requirements and appearance quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If a circular door cover is used to provide aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but it becomes difficult to align the correct installation position for the door frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric features (protrusions and corresponding recesses) on the otherwise circular door cover and door frame. These asymmetric elements break the rotational symmetry, providing unique alignment references that enable precise positioning during installation while maintaining the overall circular aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of operation

If the control unit is placed on the door with a touch screen, then the simple appearance and advanced user interface are improved, but moisture sealing becomes critical to protect electronic elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface qualityVSAvoidmoisture sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the adhesive layer as a sealing film between the door cover (containing touch screen electronics) and the door frame. This adhesive film creates a moisture barrier that protects the electronic elements while allowing the flexible integration of the control unit on the door surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUSRE50232E1Laundry treating apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A laundry treating apparatus includes a body provided with a laundry inlet; and a door configured to open or close the laundry inlet, wherein the door includes a door frame having a first opening portion facing the laundry inlet and a second opening portion corresponding to a display module mounted at an inside in a state that the door is closed; and a door cover coupled to the door frame to form an appearance of the door, the door cover includes a non-light-transmitting region, and a first light transmitting region corresponding to the first opening portion and a second light transmitting region corresponding to the second opening portion within the non-light-transmitting region, and a mounting guide for an alignment between the first opening portion and the first light transmitting region and an alignment between the second opening portion and the second light transmitting region is provided on at least one of the door frame and door cover during mutual coupling.