Apparatus for supporting a laundry hamper and a laundry hamper assembly incorporating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry hampers are not lightweight, compact, or easy to install, particularly when designed for use in tilt-out cabinets, as they often require complex installation processes and lack versatility in mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact, and collapsible apparatus for supporting a laundry hamper that can be easily mounted to a cabinet door, featuring a closed frame with mounting brackets that include channels and guiding walls for secure attachment, allowing for easy installation and adjustment without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing laundry hampers are designed for tilt-out cabinets, then mounting stability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into multiple components: a main bracket body with channel, separate guiding walls, and detachable fastening elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall installation process, as components can be assembled step-by-step without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure acts as an intermediary element between the supporting rod and the mounting bracket. The supporting rod is inserted into the channel, which provides a guided interface that automatically aligns and secures the rod without requiring precise manual positioning or complex fastening mechanisms, thereby simplifying installation while ensuring stable mounting.
2Ease of operation
If mounting brackets include channels with gaps, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel segments are pre-positioned with gaps that accommodate the supporting rod's insertion. The guiding walls are pre-formed to direct the rod into the correct position within the channel. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that assembly is simplified while the rod's insertion into the pre-configured channel maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting rod is nested within the channel structure formed by the channel segments and guiding walls. The rod fits into the U-shaped channel, with the gaps between channel segments allowing for easy insertion while the nested configuration ensures that the rod is securely held, maintaining structural strength despite the presence of gaps.
3Manufacturing precision
If guiding walls surround the supporting rod, then mounting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guiding walls are provided only at specific locations where precision guidance is needed—specifically at the ends of the channel where the supporting rod is inserted. The walls surround the rod's perimeter at these critical points to ensure accurate positioning, while other portions of the mounting bracket maintain a simpler structure, thus achieving mounting precision without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a laundry hamper is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a supporting rod having one or more sides arranged to form a closed frame, one or more mounting brackets, and means for securing the one or more mounting brackets to a door of a cabinet, such as a tilt-out cabinet. Aspects of the invention relate to a laundry hamper assembly comprising the apparatus and at least one laundry hamper being supported thereon.