Washer Door Handle Layout for Grip Stability and Glass Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses with circular front glass on the door face challenges in installing handles due to the fragility of glass and heat transfer issues, leading to uncomfortable user experiences with slipping and cold handles.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves installing the handle on the rear surface of the door frame, opposite to the front glass, and using materials like rubber to prevent slipping and heat transfer, with design features such as inclination and protrusions to enhance grip and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is installed on the front surface of the door frame, then it is easy to access, but the glass is easily broken when a hole is drilled
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is installed on the rear surface of the door frame instead of the front surface, reversing the conventional location. This inversion allows the handle to be positioned on a location that does not compromise the glass integrity while still providing accessibility for users to open the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle installation moves from the front surface (2D plane of the glass) to the rear surface (different spatial dimension), allowing the handle to be positioned on the plastic door frame rear surface where drilling holes does not compromise structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the handle is installed on the rear surface of the door frame, then glass integrity is maintained, but fingers may easily slip off the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The rear surface of the door frame is given a specific local quality through the inclined design of the handle. The handle is configured with an inclination angle of 10 to 45 degrees relative to the rear surface, creating a localized geometric feature that prevents fingers from slipping off while maintaining the overall integrity of the glass front surface.
3Strength
If the handle is made of a material that transfers heat from the door frame, then it is structurally strong, but it feels cold to the touch when it gets cold
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is constructed using composite materials or a multi-layer structure that combines a heat-resistant core material (for structural strength) with a heat-insulating outer layer (for user comfort). This allows the handle to maintain structural integrity while reducing heat transfer from the door frame, preventing the cold sensation when touched.
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 configuration prevents fingers from slipping off the handle and reduces discomfort by maintaining a comfortable temperature, providing a secure and ergonomic grip while opening the door.
Implementation Method 1
using materials like rubber to prevent slipping and heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
design features such as inclination and protrusions to enhance grip and comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus may include a main body having with a laundry inlet port at a front surface thereof; a door rotatably coupled to the front surface of the main body to open and close the laundry inlet port; a front glass installed at a front surface of the door; a handle installed at a rear surface of the door, so as to face in a direction opposite to the front glass. The handle may be inclined with respect to a vertical plane of the front glass, so as to prevent fingers from sliding outward on the rear surface of the door.