Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in providing an integrated aesthetic sense, easy coupling of circular door covers, preventing sealant leakage, and protecting electronic elements from moisture when a touch screen is integrated on the door, while maintaining a simple appearance and high joint strength.
Innovation Solution
A door structure with a non-light-transmitting region and light transmitting regions on the door cover, where the second light transmitting region is smaller than the second opening portion, and a touch sensor is adhered to the rear surface of the door cover to sense touch inputs, along with a sealant filling groove to manage sealant and prevent moisture infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen is integrated on the door, then the user interface is enhanced and information display is improved, but moisture infiltration risk increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen is nested within a door structure that includes multiple protective layers: the door cover, door frame, and waterproof sealing structures. The control unit is integrated into the door assembly with the touch screen positioned on the outer surface while electronic components are protected inside, creating a nested configuration that maintains user interface accessibility while protecting against moisture
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof film or coating is applied to the touch screen and surrounding areas to create a moisture barrier. The door frame includes sealing structures with flexible sealing members that prevent moisture infiltration while allowing the touch screen to function. This thin film approach maintains the touch interface functionality while providing reliable moisture protection
2Shape
If a door cover with glass material is used, then aesthetic quality and high-quality feeling are improved, but mechanical fastening becomes difficult and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fastening system (screws, clips, or mechanical connectors) is replaced with a chemical bonding system using adhesive. The adhesive is applied between the door cover and door frame to create a strong, permanent bond that is suitable for glass materials. This substitution eliminates the need for holes or mechanical attachment points in the glass, preserving its aesthetic quality while providing secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting guides are provided on the door frame before the adhesive bonding process. These guides include positioning protrusions or alignment features that ensure correct placement of the circular door cover relative to the door frame. The guides facilitate proper alignment during assembly before the adhesive sets, making the manufacturing process easier despite the complexity of bonding glass to the frame
3Shape
If adhesive is coated at an inner side of the door frame away from the edge, then adhesive leakage is prevented and appearance quality is improved, but joint strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application area is segmented into different zones: an inner region where adhesive is applied for bonding, and an outer edge region where mounting guides are provided. The adhesive is confined to the inner region, preventing leakage to the exterior while maintaining adequate bonding area. The segmentation allows the adhesive to be positioned optimally for both strength and appearance
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting guides act as an intermediary structure between the door frame and door cover. The guides include positioning features that ensure proper alignment and placement during assembly. By providing this intermediate positioning mechanism, the adhesive can be applied in an optimal position that prevents leakage while still achieving sufficient joint strength through proper alignment and bonding surface area
4Shape
If a circular shaped door cover is used, then aesthetic quality is improved, but correct installation positioning becomes difficult and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While the door cover itself is circular for aesthetic purposes, asymmetric mounting guides are provided on the door frame. These guides include positioning protrusions or alignment features at specific locations that break the rotational symmetry. The asymmetric guides engage with corresponding features on the door cover to establish a unique, correct installation position, preventing incorrect rotation or misalignment during assembly
5Shape
If control unit is placed on the door, then simple appearance and integrated aesthetic sense are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is merged with the door assembly, integrating the control functionality directly into the door structure. The touch screen, control unit housing, and door components are combined into a single integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate control panels on the main body, simplifying the overall appearance while consolidating components into one structured unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a laundry treating apparatus (1), comprising: a body (20) provided with a laundry inlet (20a); and a door (10) configured to open and close the laundry inlet, wherein the door comprises: a door frame (110, 1110, 4110) having a first opening portion (110a) facing the laundry inlet inside in a state that the door is closed; and a door cover (140, 1140, 2140, 3140) coupled to the door frame to form an appearance of the door, and the door cover comprises a non-light-transmitting region (143, 1143, 2143, 3143), and a first light transmitting region (141, 1141, 2141, 3141) corresponding to the first opening portion within the non-light-transmitting region.