Stackable Laundry Appliance Assembly Without Separate Rack Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses require a separate, costly rack to stack washing and drying machines, which increases manufacturing costs and makes it difficult to easily move or carry one machine on top of the other.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a guide panel and rear bracket system that allows for easy stacking and support of two treating apparatuses, enabling them to be carried and stacked securely without detaching, using a guide panel for rolling motion and a rear bracket for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separate rack is used to position one treating apparatus on the other, then the treating apparatuses can be stacked, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the large volume of the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is merged with the front panels of the treating apparatuses. The guide panel is detachably coupled to the lower front panel and coupled to the upper front panel, integrating the support function into the existing apparatus structure rather than using a separate rack component.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural guide for alignment, provides a rolling surface for easy movement, and serves as part of the support structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated rack components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a separate rack is used to position one treating apparatus on the other, then the treating apparatuses can be stacked, but it becomes difficult to easily carry the treating apparatus positioned on the top
Solution Approach 1:
The guide panel is designed to be detachable rather than fixed. It can be attached when stacking is needed and detached when the upper apparatus needs to be moved or serviced, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide panel acts as an intermediary component between the upper and lower treating apparatuses. It facilitates the stacking relationship while maintaining the ability to easily separate and move the upper apparatus when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a guide panel is detachably provided in the panel seating portion, then the guide panel can be attached or removed as needed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide panel is segmented into a detachable portion and a fixed portion. The detachable portion can be coupled to or separated from the lower front panel, allowing flexible assembly while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular design.
4Ease of operation
If the guide panel performs a rolling motion in contact with the lower surface of the upper treating apparatus, then the upper apparatus can be easily moved, but the contact surface requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The guide panel is pre-positioned and detachably coupled to the lower front panel before the upper apparatus is placed. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment of the rolling surface, reducing the alignment precision requirements during the actual stacking operation.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for a separate rack and facilitates easy handling and stacking of washing and drying machines, ensuring stability and preventing detachment during use.
Implementation Method 1
a roller provided on the guide panel body, performing a rolling motion in contact with the lower surface of the first treating apparatus when the second step is performed
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly method comprises a first step of positioning a second treating apparatus in a desired place, the apparatus including a second front panel (201), provided with an upper fastening unit (201A) bent from an upper surface (201B, 201) and extended to an upper portion, a second rear panel (128, 203), a second side panel (205); a second step of seating a first treating apparatus on the second treating apparatus, the first treating apparatus including a first front panel (101), a first rear panel (103, 118), a first side panel (105); a third step of coupling the upper fastening unit (201A) with a lower portion of the first treating apparatus; and a fourth step of coupling a control panel (500) onto a panel seating portion provided between a lower surface of the first front panel (101) and the upper surface (201B, 201) of the second front panel (201).