Laundry Treating Apparatus Insulating Coupling and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses with multiple treating units face challenges in user convenience due to separate manipulation and control of each unit, and there is a risk of electrical malfunctions and damage from unintentional connections between units.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a design with electrically insulating materials and structures that allow for stable coupling between units, including an insulating connection member and a control panel made of electrically insulating material to manage and control multiple treating units efficiently, preventing electrical interference and malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple treating apparatuses are equipped with separate manipulation units and displays, then each apparatus can be independently controlled, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need to respectively identify and manipulate each apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manipulation units and displays into a single integrated control panel that can control multiple treating apparatuses simultaneously. This merging approach allows users to operate all apparatuses from one interface, eliminating the need to separately identify and manipulate each apparatus while maintaining independent control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel is designed with universal functionality to control different types of treating apparatuses (e.g., washing machine, dryer, steam generator) through a single interface. This multi-functional design enables the same control panel to adapt to various apparatuses without requiring separate manipulation units for each.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple treating apparatuses are arranged in close proximity, then space utilization is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of short circuits from unintentional electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrically insulating materials as intermediary elements between adjacent treating apparatuses and their electrical components. These insulating materials (such as insulating coatings, insulating barriers, or insulating connection members) prevent unintentional electrical connections while allowing the apparatuses to be arranged in close proximity, thus maintaining space utilization without compromising electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film insulating coatings or barriers on electrical components and connection parts of adjacent apparatuses. These thin film structures provide effective electrical insulation to prevent short circuits while occupying minimal space, enabling close arrangement of multiple apparatuses without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes: a first treating apparatus including a first front panel disposed at a front side of the first treating apparatus, a plurality of first side panels disposed at both lateral sides of the first treating apparatus, and a first drum configured to receive laundry, and a second treating apparatus that is disposed below the first treating apparatus to support the first treating apparatus and that includes a second front panel disposed at a front side of the second treating apparatus, a plurality of second side panels disposed at both lateral sides of the second treating apparatus, and a second drum configured to receive the laundry. The second treating apparatus includes an upper frame that is disposed at a rear side of the second front panel and that is coupled to the first treating apparatus through an insulating connection member made of an electrically insulating material.