Stand clothes dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freestanding clothes dryers lack optimization in locking mechanism durability and damping behavior, particularly in joints connecting the stand element holder and frame profile holder.
Innovation Solution
A separate locking element is integrated into the joint, allowing for optimized material selection and improved locking force distribution, with stop elements interacting with locking recesses to secure the stand element in the upright position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided in the joint to hold the stand element in the upright position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the frame profile holder as a separate component that works together with the stop element and locking recess. This merging of components creates a compact locking mechanism that provides reliable locking functionality without significantly increasing overall joint complexity. The locking element combines multiple functions (locking, damping, force distribution) into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking element with locking body, the stop element on the stand element holder, and the locking recess in the frame profile holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and ease of manufacturing.
2Reliability
If the locking element is made from a resilient material to improve damping behavior, then the durability is improved, but the locking force may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is made from a resilient material with optimized elastic properties that allow it to deform elastically during the locking process. This parameter change in material properties enables the locking element to provide both damping behavior and sufficient locking force, as the resilient material can store and release mechanical energy while maintaining strong engagement with the stop element.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking element provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing shock and impact forces through elastic deformation before they can damage the joint components. This cushioning effect protects the locking mechanism from fatigue and wear, improving durability while the locked position maintains adequate locking force through the elastic recovery of the material.
3Ease of repair
If the locking element is designed as a separate component, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the frame profile holder, allowing it to be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This extraction principle enables maintenance personnel to replace only the locking element rather than the entire joint assembly, significantly improving ease of repair while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a consumable component that can be discarded when worn out and recovered/replaced as a separate unit. This approach allows the more expensive and complex parts of the joint (frame profile holder, stand element holder) to be preserved and reused, while only the simpler locking element needs periodic replacement, improving overall maintainability.
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
Enhances locking mechanism durability and reduces wear, providing a more reliable and maintainable joint design with balanced force distribution and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element (9) can be resiliently displaced by the stop elements (10, 11) as the stand element (3) approaches the upright position and then springs into a locking position in which the locking element (9) is able to hold the stand element holder (2'') in the upright position against a locking force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a freestanding clothes dryer for drying laundry. Known freestanding clothes dryers have a drying area with frame profiles (1) and cross profiles (6) connected to each other via frame profile holders (2‴). A stand element holder (2") is pivotally mounted on the frame profile holder (2‴) for the purpose of hingedly holding stand elements (3). The stand element holder has stop elements (10, 11) projecting into the frame profile holder (2‴) that limit its movement. In the end position, a locking element (9') elastically holds the stop elements (10, 11) in position. The invention aims to improve the elastic properties and the fatigue strength of the joint. This is achieved by providing a separate locking element (9) as an additional component in the frame profile holder (2‴) and by forming the locking body (9') from an area of the locking element (9) that projects into the path of movement of the lifting means (10 and/or 11).