Hanger device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanger devices lack the capability to perform multiple functions such as air drying, humidity control, wrinkle removal, and air purification, which are increasingly demanded by consumers.

Innovation Solution

A hanger device equipped with a body having air intake and discharge ports, a fan module, a filter for removing foreign substances, a hanging unit, a wind guard with a sterilization module, and optional features like a steam supply device and dehumidifying filter, allowing for air circulation, purification, and controlled humidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hanger device is designed to perform multiple functions (air drying, humidity control, wrinkle removal, air purification), then consumer demand is satisfied and versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger device integrates multiple functions including air circulation for drying, heating for wrinkle removal, sterilization for air purification, and humidity control, allowing a single device to perform various tasks that would traditionally require separate appliances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines the fan module, heater, sterilization module, and humidity control system into a single integrated hanger unit, merging multiple functional components into one cohesive device to reduce the need for separate appliances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If air circulation is used for drying clothes, then drying efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan module operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high-speed operation for rapid drying and low-speed or idle states to conserve energy, rather than running continuously at full capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device adjusts fan speed and heating intensity based on detected humidity levels and drying progress, dynamically changing operational parameters to optimize the balance between drying efficiency and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sterilization module is added to the wind guard, then air purification capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization module is positioned on the wind guard as an intermediary component that treats air in the discharge path, utilizing the existing air flow path rather than requiring a separate dedicated air handling system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The device efficiently dries clothes by circulating indoor air, purifies ambient air, controls humidity, straightens wrinkles using steam, and sterilizes air, enhancing user convenience and indoor air quality.

Implementation Method 1

a body having at least one opening to allow air to be drawn into the body and at least one discharge port to allow drawn air to be pushed out of the body; a fan module provided inside the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a filter configured to remove foreign substances contained in the air being drawn in by the fan module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a sterilization module provided on the wind guard; The sterilization module may comprise at least one LED that emits ultraviolet light provided on a substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet sterilization: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

a heater configured to heat the air that has passed through the filter; The heater may be at least one of a planar heater, a sheath heater or an induction heater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 5

a dehumidifying filter for absorbing moisture contained in the drawn in air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 6

a steam supply device for supplying steam to the discharge port and the hanging unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteam generation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4206383B1Hanger device
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4206383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4206383B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4206383B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A hanger device according to the present disclosure may include a body (11, 110) having at least one opening (openings of cover 13, 1232) to allow air to be drawn into the body and at least one discharge port (1207, 1223b, or 1223c) to allow drawn air to be pushed out of the body. A fan module (15, 15a) is provided inside the body, and a filter (60) is configured to remove foreign substances contained in the air being drawn in by the fan module. A hanging unit (50, 50a) may extend from the bottom surface of the body. At least one wind guard (20a) may be provided in front of the hanging unit and configured to move in a vertical direction. A driving unit (18a) may slide the wind guard in the vertical direction, and a sterilization module (100) may be provided on a rear surface of the wind guard.