Collapsible Garment Hanger with Spring-Actuated One-Handed Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garment hangers cause garment deformation, are difficult to use, lack portability, and fail to balance functionality with aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A single-handed garment hanger with a spring-actuated catch and release mechanism, allowing one-handed hanging and unhanging, foldable design for portability, and aesthetic options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid hangers are used, then structural strength is maintained, but garment deformation occurs and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger arms are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to swing from a compressed travel position to an extended garment-supporting position. This dynamic transformation enables the hanger to adapt between portability mode and functional mode, resolving the contradiction between compactness and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is segmented into movable arms that can be compressed together for travel and extended for use. The arms can be positioned in different configurations, allowing the hanger to be compact when not in use and fully functional when needed, thus achieving both portability and structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hangers are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger employs a spring-loaded automatic release mechanism that activates when the arms are compressed together. This self-service feature automatically releases the garment without requiring manual manipulation, making the operation intuitive and easy while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through the use of standard spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during manufacturing to automatically engage and disengage the arms based on their position. This preliminary action embedded in the design allows the hanger to perform complex functions automatically, simplifying user operation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional hangers are used, then cost is reduced, but garment protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger arms are designed to change their structural parameters dynamically - transitioning from a compressed state during travel to an extended state during use. This parameter change allows the arms to provide optimal garment support when extended while maintaining compactness during storage, preventing garment deformation without requiring expensive materials or complex mechanisms.
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
Minimizes garment deformation, enhances ease of use, and provides portable storage while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The hanger includes a spring mechanism that enables easy compression and release, allowing the arms to swing up into an extended position when released
Data Source
AI summary
An improved garment hanger adapted for the elongate support members to collapse from a traditional open substantially horizontal position to a closed substantially vertical position. An improved garment hanger comprises a hook for hanging the device from a support like a closet rail; a base with a spoke for anchoring components axially; first and second elongate support members coupled together by a spring mechanism and axially coupled to the base; and a latching mechanism operable to toggle the hanger between static and dynamic states. In embodiments, the improved garment hanger is operable to be collapsed incrementally and automatically released to revert the hanger to its open position, providing secure and convenient garment retention.