Stack-Type Laundry Apparatus Top Panel Design to Prevent Water Inflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stack-type laundry treating apparatuses face issues with water inflow through the front panel, especially when a drying apparatus is stacked on top of a washing apparatus, due to slits formed in the top face of the front panel, which allows water to flow into the interior of the treating apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an upper treating apparatus with a drying drum and air flow passage, and a lower treating apparatus with a washing drum, featuring a decoration panel and top panel configuration that restricts movement and includes mounting holes and protrusions to prevent water inflow by covering the slit, thereby minimizing water entry from the top face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If slits are formed in the top face of the front panel for manufacturing purposes, then the front panel can be formed by press-forming a steel plate, but water flowing from the top of the apparatus may flow into the interior through these slits
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof cover is introduced as an intermediary element that bridges the front panel and the top panel. This cover specifically addresses the slit openings by providing a waterproof barrier, allowing the slits to remain for manufacturing purposes while preventing water from entering through them. The cover acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between manufacturing ease and water protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cover functions as a thin film structure that seals the slit openings. This thin film approach maintains the structural integrity of the front panel while providing effective water protection. The cover can be made from flexible waterproof materials that conform to the panel structure and seal the openings effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the top panel is made movable for assembly or adjustment purposes, then the panel can be easily installed or adjusted, but the structural integrity and water protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The top structure is segmented into multiple components: the front panel with slits, the top panel that can be movable, and the waterproof cover that bridges them. This segmentation allows the top panel to remain movable for ease of assembly while the waterproof cover maintains continuous water protection. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each component's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cover is installed in advance to seal the slit openings before the top panel is positioned or moved. This preliminary action ensures that water protection is established prior to any movements of the top panel, maintaining reliability throughout the assembly and operation process.
3Shape
If a decoration panel is added to the top of the front panel for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cover is merged with the decoration panel, combining two functions into a single integrated component. The cover serves both as a waterproof barrier for the slit openings and as a decorative element that enhances the appearance of the front panel. This merging reduces overall structural complexity while achieving both protection and aesthetic goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The top panel structure is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a structural component, a decorative element, and a movable assembly feature. The waterproof cover integrated into this structure provides simultaneous water protection and aesthetic enhancement, making the structure universally functional rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A stack-type laundry treating apparatus includes upper and lower treating apparatuses. The upper treating apparatus includes an upper cabinet, a drying drum configured to receive an object to be dried, an upper driver for rotating the drying drum, and an air flow path for supplying and discharging air to and from the drying drum. The upper cabinet includes an upper front panel defining a front face of the upper cabinet, upper side panels respectively defining both side faces of the upper cabinet, a decoration panel coupled to a top of the upper front panel, and an upper top panel contacting the decoration panel such that movement of the upper top panel is limited by the decoration panel. The upper top panel is coupled to the upper side panels.