Shared Steam Cabinet Layout for Multi-Unit Laundry Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry treating apparatuses, particularly refreshers, require separate steam generators for each unit, making it costly and inconvenient to install multiple units and secure water supply sources for steam generation.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a built-in steam generator that supplies steam to a main space and has additional steam outlets for external use, allowing steam to be shared among multiple units, including a supplementary space with a press that uses steam, and a hot air generator for expanded treatment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate steam generator is provided for each laundry treating apparatus, then each apparatus can independently supply steam, but the product cost and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laundry treating apparatuses (refresher, press, steamer) into a single integrated system that shares one steam generator. The steam generator is positioned to supply steam to multiple functional spaces through shared steam supply passages, eliminating the need for separate steam generators for each apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The single steam generator is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple laundry treating apparatuses simultaneously. It includes multiple steam supply passages that can distribute steam to different spaces (main space, supplementary space, sub-cabinets) based on demand, making one generator perform the role of multiple generators.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple steam generators are installed to provide steam to multiple units, then each unit has sufficient steam supply, but securing water supply sources becomes difficult and installation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple water supply requirements into a single water supply connection. The steam generator has one water supply source that feeds into a single water tank, from which water is pumped to generate steam for all connected laundry treating apparatuses, simplifying water supply installation significantly.
3Device complexity
If a single steam generator serves multiple laundry treating apparatuses, then cost and installation complexity are reduced, but steam must be selectively distributed to appropriate units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic steam distribution through controllable shutters or valves in the steam supply passages. These shutters can be opened or closed to direct steam flow to specific spaces or apparatuses based on operational demand, enabling flexible and selective distribution from a single steam generator.
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
Enables cost-effective and convenient treatment of laundry across multiple units by sharing a single steam generator, reducing installation costs and water supply complexities while providing enhanced steam and hot air treatment options.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator provided to the cabinet for supplying steam to the main space
Implementation Method 2
a hot air generator together with a steam generator for providing air, particularly, hot air to other laundry treating apparatuses
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus, including a cabinet having a main space selectively in communication with an outside of the laundry treating apparatus with a door for holding laundry, a steam generator provided to the cabinet for supplying steam to the main space, and at least one steam outlet in the cabinet for selective supply of the steam from the steam generator to an outside of the laundry treating apparatus.