Hanger device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hangers lack multifunctionality, such as air circulation, steam supply, and automatic operation, which limits their ability to efficiently dry clothes, control humidity, and provide additional features like wrinkle removal and air purification.

Innovation Solution

A hanger device with a suction unit, fan module, filtering module, steam supply device, and adjustable hanging unit, equipped with sensors and cameras for automatic operation, allowing for air circulation, humidity control, and enhanced drying capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hanger is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks multifunctionality such as air circulation, steam supply, and automatic operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger device integrates multiple functions including air circulation (suction unit and fan module), steam supply (steam supply device), air purification (filtering module), and automatic operation (sensors and cameras) into a single device, allowing it to perform drying, wrinkle removal, and air purification simultaneously

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate functions (hanging, drying, steam generation, air filtration) into one integrated hanger device, where components like the suction unit, fan module, filtering module, and steam supply device work together in a unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If no air circulation is provided, then the device structure is simple, but drying efficiency is low and drying time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidair circulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a suction unit with a fan module to create air circulation through pneumatic means, drawing air through the filtering module and discharging it to continuously circulate around the hung items, significantly improving drying efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The air circulation system operates continuously, with the fan module maintaining constant air flow through the filtering module and around the hung items, ensuring uninterrupted drying action until completion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If humidity is not controlled, then the device is simple, but drying performance is poor in humid environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidhumidity control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering module includes a dehumidifying filter that actively changes the humidity parameter of the air by absorbing moisture, allowing the device to maintain effective drying performance even in humid environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the hanging unit has fixed length, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different item sizes and positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different itemsVSAvoidadjustable mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanging unit features adjustable-length supports that can be dynamically changed in length, allowing the hanger to adapt to different item sizes and hanging positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Extent of automation

If automatic operation is not implemented, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot automatically adjust based on item weight and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic operationVSAvoidsensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates sensors and cameras that detect item weight and position, providing feedback to the control system which then automatically adjusts operation parameters, creating a closed-loop automatic control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger device performs automatic operation including self-detection of items, self-adjustment of hanging unit length, and self-control of air circulation and steam supply based on sensor input, reducing the need for manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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, purifies indoor air, controls humidity, removes wrinkles, and adjusts operation based on item weight and position, providing user convenience and improved drying times.

Implementation Method 1

a main body 110 forming an external shape, and a cover 130 covering an interior of the cabinet 120

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a filtering module 60 for removing foreign substances contained in the air suctioned in by the fan module 15a

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a steam supply device 30 for supplying steam into the guide passage 1212

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

a steam generator 31 for generating steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 5

at least one of a heater for heating the air that has passed through the dust filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 6

a dehumidifying filter for absorbing moisture contained in the air that has passed through the dust filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230212811A1Hanger device
Publication Date: 2023.07.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20230212811A1 patent drawing
  • US20230212811A1 patent drawing
  • US20230212811A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hanger device according to the present disclosure may comprise a body having at least opening to allow air to be suctioned into the body and at least one discharge port to allow suctioned air to be forced out of the body. A fan module may be provided inside the body and may be configured to suction air through the opening and force the suction air to the at least one discharge port. A dust removal filter is configured to remove dust contained in the air suctioned in by the fan module. A dehumidifying filter may absorb moisture contained in the air that has passed through the dust removing filter. A heater may be configured to heat the air that has passed through the dehumidifying filter. A hanging unit is configured to extend from the bottom surface of the body and configured to allow passage of a portion of suctioned air being forced out of the body.