Laundry treating apparatus and assembly method of the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses require separate racks to stack washing and drying machines, increasing manufacturing costs and making it difficult to move or carry one machine on top of the other, as they lack a stable support system.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a guide panel and rear bracket are used to securely position and carry one treating apparatus on top of another, allowing for easy stacking and support to prevent detachment, using a guide panel with a roller for easy alignment and a rear bracket for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate rack is used to position one treating apparatus on the other, then the apparatus 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 panel of the lower treating apparatus. The guide panel assembly is integrated into the front panel, eliminating the need for a separate standalone rack. This integration reduces the overall volume of supporting structures and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the stacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural front cover of the apparatus and simultaneously provides the guide panel assembly that enables stacking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rack components, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate rack is used to position one treating apparatus on the other, then stacking is possible, but the rack fails to easily carry the apparatus positioned on top
Solution Approach 1:
A guide panel with a roller is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the upper and lower treating apparatuses. The roller on the guide panel facilitates easy sliding and positioning of the upper apparatus onto the lower one, significantly improving ease of carrying and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt during the stacking process. The roller mechanism enables dynamic adjustment and smooth movement of the upper apparatus during installation, making the stacking operation easier and more flexible.
3Ease of manufacture
If the treating apparatuses are stacked without a support system, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the upper apparatus may detach from the lower one
Solution Approach 1:
The guide panel assembly is pre-integrated into the front panel of the lower treating apparatus during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that the support structure is already in place before stacking, providing immediate stability and preventing detachment without requiring additional separate support components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is merged into the front panel structure through the guide panel assembly. This integration provides necessary stability and anti-detachment functionality while avoiding the need for separate support structures, thereby maintaining cost efficiency while ensuring reliability.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and enhances the ability to move and stack washing and drying machines securely, improving user convenience and stability during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a roller located at the guide panel body and configured to, based on the first treating apparatus being positioned on the second treating apparatus, contact the lower surface of the first treating apparatus and roll relative to the lower surface of the first treating apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly method of a laundry treating apparatus includes a first step of positioning a second treating apparatus in a desired place for assembly, a second step of seating a first treating apparatus on the second treating apparatus, a third step of coupling a upper fastening unit of the second treating apparatus with a lower portion of the first treating apparatus, and a fourth step of coupling a control panel onto a panel seating portion provided between a lower surface of a first front panel of the first treating apparatus and an upper surface of the second front panel of the second treating apparatus. The upper fastening unit may be positioned to be higher than a lower surface of the first treating apparatus after the second step is performed.