Wrinkle removal module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes treatment apparatuses are inadequate in effectively removing wrinkles from clothing without causing damage, as they either rely on direct heat application or lack efficient mechanisms for tension and compression.
Innovation Solution
A clothes treatment apparatus with a bi-fold panel assembly and wrinkle removal module that applies tension and compression forces to clothing while exposing it to steam, utilizing a combination of pivoting panels and clips to manage fabric tension and compression, allowing for simultaneous treatment of multiple garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If direct heat application is used to remove wrinkles, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but fabric damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces steam as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal energy to the fabric indirectly. The steam producing equipment generates steam that permeates the fabric, transferring heat through phase change and condensation rather than direct contact with hot surfaces. This mediator approach achieves effective wrinkle removal while eliminating the fabric damage risk associated with direct heat application from traditional irons.
2Manufacturing precision
If tension force is applied to clothing during treatment, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bi-fold panel assembly with pivotable panels that can dynamically adjust between different configurations. The panels are connected through pivots allowing them to move from a stored position to an operational position where they apply tension to the fabric. This dynamic mechanism enables tension application without complex fixed structures, as the tensioning force is generated through the natural movement and positioning of the pivotable panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrinkle removal device is segmented into multiple independent components: a base plate, multiple pivotable panels, clips, and a steam producing equipment. Each segment performs a specific function - the base plate provides support, the panels provide tension through their pivoting motion, and the clips secure the fabric. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively achieving the complex function of tension application during steam treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If compression force is applied to clothing during treatment, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same bi-fold panel assembly that provides tension through pivoting also provides compression through its folding motion. When the panels are folded against each other, they create a compressive force on the fabric positioned between them. This dynamic compression mechanism uses the natural folding action of the panels rather than requiring separate compression components, thereby achieving effective compression without increasing device complexity.
4Productivity
If multiple garments are treated simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-fold panel assembly is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple garments simultaneously. The multiple pivotable panels can be configured to treat different types of clothing - some panels can apply tension to shirts while others compress pants, all within the same device. This multi-functionality allows simultaneous treatment of multiple garments without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each garment type, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 apparatus effectively removes wrinkles from clothing by applying controlled tension and compression forces in conjunction with steam, ensuring efficient wrinkle removal without fabric damage, and can handle garments of varying sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
steam producing equipment contained within the cabinet and configured to release steam into the treatment chamber
Implementation Method 2
configured to apply a tension force to a first article of clothing in a first configuration of the wrinkle removal module
Implementation Method 3
apply a compression force to a second article of clothing in a second configuration of the wrinkle removal module
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet that defines a treatment chamber, equipment configured to release at least one of hot air, steam, or cooled air into the treatment chamber, and a door that opens and closes the treatment chamber. A wrinkle removal module is pivotally mounted on a backside of the door. The wrinkle removal module applies a tension force to a first article of clothing in a first configuration and a compression force to a second article of clothing in a second configuration. The wrinkle removal module includes a base plate supported in a fixed position on the door, and a bi-fold panel assembly pivotally supported on the door. Panels of the bi-fold panel assembly include clips for clamping on portions of the first article of clothing to apply the tension force to the first article of clothing when the panels are pivoted relative to each other.