Combination drying mat, rack and storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dish drying racks require the use of a towel underneath to prevent water runoff, which can lead to spills on the counter and floor.
Innovation Solution
A combination drying mat, rack, and storage container system where the rack can be pivoted and secured within the container, allowing the entire assembly to be collapsed and secured proximate the container, thus eliminating the need for a towel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dish drying rack is used to hold and dry kitchenware, then the air-drying process is expedited, but water runoff accumulates on the counter and may spill onto the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drying mat as an intermediary component between the drying rack and the counter surface. The mat absorbs and channels water runoff through integrated drainage channels, preventing water accumulation on the counter while maintaining efficient air-drying of kitchenware in the rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water runoff management function from the drying rack structure itself and separates it into a dedicated drainage system integrated with the mat. This allows the rack to focus on holding and drying kitchenware while the mat handles water channeling and absorption independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a drying rack with utensil containers is used, then utensil storage is provided, but the rack occupies significant counter space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing collapsible utensil containers inside the drying rack structure. When not in use, the containers can be collapsed and stored within the rack's footprint, allowing the rack to maintain its drying function while providing utensil storage capability without permanently occupying additional counter space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs collapsible or removable container components that can be dynamically adjusted or folded. These containers can be expanded when utensil storage is needed and collapsed or removed when counter space needs to be freed, making the space occupation adaptive rather than fixed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a drying rack requires a towel underneath to prevent water runoff, then water spillage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water absorption function previously performed by a separate towel into the drying mat structure itself. The mat is integrated with the rack and includes built-in absorption and drainage capabilities, eliminating the need for separate towels while preventing water spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying mat is designed to be self-contained with integrated drainage channels and absorption layers that automatically manage water runoff without requiring external towels or additional components. The system serves itself by channeling water through the mat to designated drainage areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination drying mat, rack and storage container having a mat having a raised attachment wall extending therefrom, a container having an outer wall arranged to removably accept the raised attachment wall therein, and a rack pivotably secured to the container and arranged to move between a first position wherein the rack is resting upon the mat and a second position wherein the rack is tucked at least partially into an area within the container. In some arrangements, the combination drying mat, rack and storage container may further include a flexible and expandable band pivotably attached to the container, wherein the band is arranged to pivot and substantially secure the rack in the second position.