Support and clothes treating apparatus including same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in easy assembly, accommodating different leg sizes, and achieving a strong fastening force between the supporting device and the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A supporting device with a guide member and fixing member configuration that includes accommodating portions for various leg sizes, a coupling system with inclined fastening grooves and protrusions, and a design allowing for improved posture during assembly, distributing stress for enhanced durability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a supporting device is used to position and fix the main body at a predetermined height, then the user's waist bending inconvenience is solved, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring multiple steps including tilting the main body, separating legs, and fastening through holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting device is divided into a main body and multiple separate supporters, each independently assembled to the main body. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be easily attached without complex overall assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporters are pre-configured with fastening structures that align with corresponding holes in the main body before assembly. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex alignment and adjustment during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the supporting device is designed to accommodate different leg sizes, then versatility is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex requiring adjustable or multiple configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different leg sizesVSAvoidstructural design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporter is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate legs of various sizes through a single standardized interface. The accommodating portion and fastening structures are configured to work with different leg dimensions without requiring multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporter incorporates adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different leg sizes. This allows the fixed structure to flexibly accommodate varying dimensions while maintaining structural integrity and support functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the fastening force between the supporting device and laundry treating apparatus is increased, then stability is improved, but the risk of damage to components during assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening forceVSAvoidrisk of component damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening structures incorporate cushioning elements positioned at critical contact points before fastening occurs. These elements prevent excessive force from being transmitted to the leg and main body during the fastening process, protecting components from damage while still achieving the required fastening strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism uses progressive parameter changes, starting with initial gentle contact and gradually increasing fastening force. This controlled progression allows components to settle into position without sudden stress spikes that could cause damage, while still achieving high final fastening strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3819421B1Support and clothes treating apparatus including same
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3819421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3819421B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a supporting device capable of being easily assembled and commonly supporting a washing machine, a dryer, and the like having different leg sizes and a laundry treating apparatus having the same. The laundry treating apparatus includes a laundry treating apparatus main body, a supporting device main body configured to support the laundry treating apparatus main body, a leg coupled to a bottom of the laundry treating apparatus main body, and a supporter installed in the supporting device main body, wherein the supporter includes a guide member configured to accommodate the leg and including an insertion groove, and a fixing member including a fixing protrusion to be inserted into the insertion groove, the fixing member being coupled to the guide member to fix the leg.