Laundry Drawer Door Guide and Magnetic Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses face challenges in allowing a drawer to be discharged from a cabinet when the door is opened, failing to accurately determine if a drawer is inserted, and experiencing interference issues between the door and drawer during discharge, as well as incorrect determination of door opening due to external signals like vibration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a guide with rotating wheels to prevent door interference during drawer discharge, a position sensing unit using magnetic forces to determine drawer and door positions, and a sealing unit for hermetic sealing, along with a display unit to notify users of drawer and door states, ensuring accurate detection and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is opened while the drawer is inserted into the cabinet, then the door can be opened to access the introduction aperture, but the door interferes with the drawer discharge path when the drawer is discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The door is extracted from the cabinet structure and coupled to the movable drawer assembly instead. This allows the door to move with the drawer, eliminating the interference problem when the drawer is discharged, while still maintaining the ability to open the introduction aperture when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is made dynamically coupled to the drawer through a hinge connection, allowing it to rotate and adapt its position. When the drawer moves in or out, the door can rotate to avoid interfering with the discharge path, while still providing access to the introduction aperture when the drawer is in position.
2Measurement precision
If a door opening detection mechanism is installed, then the system can determine when the door is opened, but external signals like vibration cause incorrect determination of door opening
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the door and the detection mechanism. The magnetic sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength caused by door movement, which is a more reliable indicator than direct mechanical switches that are susceptible to vibration interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical door switch detection system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. This substitution eliminates the problem of vibration causing false signals, as magnetic field detection is not affected by mechanical vibrations in the same way mechanical contacts are.
3Productivity
If the drawer discharge path is kept clear for easy discharge, then the drawer can be discharged smoothly, but the door cannot be opened when the drawer is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The door is dynamically coupled to the drawer assembly, allowing it to rotate and change position. When the drawer is discharged, the door can rotate to clear the discharge path, ensuring smooth operation. When the drawer is inserted, the door can be opened to access the introduction aperture, maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly serves multiple functions: it provides access to the introduction aperture when the drawer is in position, and it can rotate to clear the discharge path when the drawer is being discharged. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maintaining a clear discharge path and providing door access.
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 safe and accurate discharge of the drawer, prevents door interference, and reduces incorrect door opening determinations, ensuring reliable operation and user notification of drawer and door states.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic-force generator that is configured to generate magnetic force and that is located in one of the cabinet or the door, and a first magnetic-force sensor that is configured to sense a magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the first magnetic-force generator
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an opening, a drawer configured so as to be discharged from the cabinet through the opening, a through-hole formed in an upper surface of the drawer, a tub that is located inside the drawer and that defines a space that is configured to receive water, an introduction aperture formed in an upper surface of the tub, the introduction aperture being located under the through-hole, a drum that is located in the tub, that is configured to rotate, and that is configured to receive laundry, a door that is configured to open and close the introduction aperture, the door being coupled to one of the drawer or the tub, and a guide for preventing the door from interfering with the opening when the drawer is discharged from the cabinet.