Tub Back Exhaust Flow Path Integration for Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes treating apparatuses face challenges in optimizing space utilization and preventing strength reduction of components like the tub, particularly in drying devices.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus integrates a tub back that forms part of the exhaust flow path, with a bearing housing supporting the drum's rotating shaft, and a housing outlet aligned with the tub outlet, enhancing structural integrity and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tub back is designed as a separate component, then ease of manufacture is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tub back with the exhaust flow path structure, creating an integrated component that serves both structural support and exhaust function. This eliminates the need for separate tub back and exhaust components, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining manufacturability through integrated molding or assembly processes
2Ease of operation
If the bearing housing is positioned away from the tub outlet, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate structural connection between the bearing housing and tub outlet, where the housing outlet is positioned to align with the tub outlet. This intermediate alignment structure maintains structural integrity by creating a direct flow path connection while allowing the bearing housing to remain positioned for ease of operation and maintenance access
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing outlet is misaligned with the tub outlet, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring precise alignment of the housing outlet with the tub outlet specifically at the exhaust flow path interface, while other portions of the housing can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This localized precision alignment optimizes the exhaust flow path for productivity without requiring extreme manufacturing precision throughout the entire housing structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes care apparatus includes: a housing in which a laundry inlet is formed on a front; a tub provided in the housing and configured to store water and including a tub back forming a rear side of the tub; a drum configured to be rotatable in the tub and accommodate laundry; and a drying device disposed above the tub, and configured to remove moisture from air exhausted from the tub and supply heated air to the tub, wherein the tub back includes: a plurality of reinforcing ribs protruding rearward to reinforce a rigidity of the tub back; and a tub duct formed in a portion of the tub back, configured to guide the air exhausted from the tub to the drying device.