Press Module with Horizontal-Axis Rotation to Prevent Double Wrinkles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry treating apparatuses face issues with double wrinkles due to the pivoting mechanism of pressing plates parallel to the laundry's hanging direction, difficulty in applying maximum tensile force during fixation, and risk of component damage from uneven load distribution.

Innovation Solution

A press module with a pivotable cover and support system that applies tensile force through self-weight, uses a fixing member and tensile force applier to maintain laundry in an unfolded state before pressing, and employs a support system to prevent position change and component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the pivotable plate pivots about an axis parallel to the laundry's hanging direction, then the pressing mechanism is simple, but double wrinkles occur on the laundry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing mechanism complexityVSAvoidwrinkle removal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional pressing approach by using a pivotable plate that pivots about an axis perpendicular to the laundry's hanging direction (horizontal axis) instead of parallel to it (vertical axis). This inversion changes the pressing sequence from top-to-bottom to side-to-side, ensuring that the entire width of the laundry is pressed simultaneously or in a sequence that prevents double wrinkles, while still maintaining mechanical simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the pivotable plate pivots about an axis parallel to the door's width direction, then double wrinkles are prevented, but the laundry position changes during pressing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrinkle removal qualityVSAvoidlaundry position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using a fixing member that secures the laundry to the pivotable plate before the pressing operation begins. This fixing member prevents the laundry from shifting or changing position during the pressing process, while the pivotable plate's horizontal-axis rotation ensures uniform pressing across the laundry width, eliminating double wrinkles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If the laundry is pressed in an unfolded state, then the pressing area is large, but the component size and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing areaVSAvoidpress module size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the pivotable plate to rotate about a horizontal axis, allowing the laundry to be pressed in a folded state. This dynamic mechanism maintains a large effective pressing area by folding the laundry during the pressing cycle, while keeping the press module compact and space-efficient. The folding action during pressing maximizes the contact area between the pressing plate and laundry without requiring a larger device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively removes wrinkles while maintaining laundry in a folded state, prevents component damage, and ensures efficient use of space by pressing in a folded configuration.

Implementation Method 1

a press module P that presses the laundry C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

fixes the laundry C in an unfolded state by using a self-weight of the laundry C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4692450A1Press module and clothing treatment apparatus comprising press module
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4692450A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4692450A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(e)
  • EP4692450A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a press module and a clothing treatment apparatus comprising same, the press module comprising: a base part on which a garment is supported; a cover part provided on the base part so as to be rotatable vertically and pressing the garment; a fixing part provided on the cover part and fixing one side of the garment; and a support part coupled to any one of the base part and the cover part so as to be rotatable horizontally and supporting the garment fixed to the fixing part.