Multifunctional storage system

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to develop a small-size multi-functional storage system that maintains the clothes management and air cleaning functions while reducing the overall height, as existing systems face difficulties in size reduction due to the placement of the machine compartment and the need for separate fans to circulate air.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a multi-functional storage system with a circulation flow path positioned at the rear of the storage compartment, featuring an inclined flow path inlet that allows for uniform air supply to multiple fans, optimizing air circulation and reducing system height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the machine compartment is positioned at the bottom of the storage compartment, then the air circulation function is achieved, but the overall height of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulation functionVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the machine compartment and storage compartment into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate compartments. The air circulation components (fans, flow paths) are integrated within the storage compartment itself, allowing the system to maintain air circulation functionality while reducing overall height by eliminating the separate machine compartment space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent repositions air intake and exhaust openings from a vertical arrangement (top and bottom) to a horizontal arrangement (front and rear surfaces). This dimensional change allows air circulation to occur horizontally through the storage compartment rather than vertically, eliminating the need for a tall machine compartment at the bottom while maintaining effective air flow for dust removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple fans are used to enhance air cleaning and clothes management functions in a small-size system, then the air circulation effectiveness is improved, but the uniformity of air supply to each fan becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair cleaning effectivenessVSAvoiduniformity of air supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fans with different specifications (different diameters, rotation speeds, or power ratings) to compensate for their different positions within the storage compartment. This asymmetric design ensures that each fan receives and delivers uniform air flow despite variations in their locations, resolving the issue of non-uniform air supply that would occur with identical fans positioned asymmetrically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Length of stationary object

If the circulation flow path is positioned at the rear of the storage compartment, then the system height is reduced, but the air supply uniformity to fans may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem heightVSAvoidair supply uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the circulation flow path at the rear of the storage compartment and introduces air at specific locations (front surface and/or side surfaces) to create optimal air flow distribution. This localized air introduction strategy ensures that air is supplied uniformly to fans at different heights, compensating for the rear-positioned flow path and maintaining air supply uniformity while achieving compact height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enables a compact multi-functional storage system that maintains effective clothes management and air cleaning functions, ensuring uniform air supply to fans and maximizing space utilization and power efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a flow path inlet 300 for introducing the circulating air into the circulation flow path 400

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

circulation flow path 400 positioned at the rear of the storage compartment 180 and including an inlet end and an outlet end each communicating with the storage compartment 180, through which circulating air flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12338569B2Multifunctional storage system
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 COWAY CO LTD
  • US12338569B2 patent drawing
  • US12338569B2 patent drawing
  • US12338569B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-functional storage system includes a storage compartment, a circulation flow path positioned at the rear of the storage compartment, and including an inlet end and an outlet end each communicating with the storage compartment, through which circulating air flows, and a flow path inlet for introducing the circulating air into the circulation flow path, the flow path inlet being positioned between the storage compartment and the circulation flow path and in communication with the inlet end of the circulation flow path.