Clothes treatment apparatus including a scent diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scent diffusers in clothes treatment apparatuses lack the ability for users to arbitrarily adjust the amount or concentration of scent discharged, and they often require additional electric power for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A scent diffuser with a slider mechanism that allows users to adjust the opening of discharge ports through a manipulation part, using interference and positioning protrusions to maintain the desired overlap, allowing for intuitive control without additional electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional scent diffuser is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot arbitrarily adjust the amount or concentration of scent discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the discharge port adjustable through a slider mechanism. The discharge port can dynamically change its opening area from fully closed to fully open, allowing the scent discharge amount to be adjusted according to user needs. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different usage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the discharge port into multiple adjustable positions using a slider with positioning protrusions. The slider divides the continuous adjustment range into discrete steps, where each position corresponds to a specific opening area. This segmentation allows users to select from multiple predetermined scent discharge levels, combining simplicity with adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electric power-consuming mechanism is used for adjustment, then the scent discharge can be adjusted, but additional electric power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling users to manually adjust the discharge port opening using a slider mechanism that requires no external power source. The slider can be directly operated by the user to change the opening area, making the adjustment function self-powered and eliminating the need for additional electric motors or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential electric or automated adjustment mechanisms with a pure mechanical slider system. The mechanical structure uses guiding grooves and positioning protrusions to enable smooth manual operation, substituting complex powered systems with a simple, power-free mechanical solution.
3Measurement precision
If the discharge port structure is made complex for precise control, then the scent discharge can be precisely controlled, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing precision control only where needed - at the discharge port opening area. The slider mechanism provides precise control over the opening area through its positioning protrusions that engage with specific positions, while the rest of the diffuser structure remains simple and unchanged. This localized precision approach avoids unnecessary complexity throughout the entire device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus comprising a scent diffuser (100) is disclosed. The scent diffuser (100) includes a holder (110), in which a replaceable scent member (5) is mounted, the holder (110) having at least one discharge port (124), through which scent emitted from the scent member (5) is discharged, and a slider (140) having a manipulation part (142) exposed outward from the holder (110), the slider (140) being movable relative to the holder (110) when force generated by a user's manipulation of the manipulation part (142) is transmitted to the slider, the slider (140) being configured to adjust the extent of opening of the discharge port (124) based on the position to which the slider (140) has been moved.