Collapsible tie rack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tie racks are either not compact enough, lack easy access, or fail to prevent ties from falling off, and are often structurally complex and expensive to produce.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible tie rack with a frame member mounted on a wall and a hanging assembly that pivots from a collapsed to an open configuration, allowing easy access and retraction into a non-obtrusive space, featuring detachable latches and hooks for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a tie rack is mounted on the ceiling or outside of a closet door to save space, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tie rack employs a movable hanging assembly that can pivot between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when accessing ties). This dynamic mechanism allows the rack to be mounted in space-saving locations while providing easy access to ties when needed, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If ties are exposed and not restrained on a tie rack, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of ties falling off increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidtie retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tie rack divides the hanging function into separate components: the hanging assembly with rods for displaying ties, and the frame member with attachment elements for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows ties to be easily accessible on the hanging rods while the detachable latches provide secure retention, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and tie retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a tie rack structure is made more complex to support multiple ties securely, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tie rack uses a simple yet effective pivot mechanism that allows a single hanging assembly to support multiple ties dynamically. The assembly can pivot to distribute weight and accommodate multiple ties without requiring complex structural reinforcements, resolving the contradiction between support capacity and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hanging assembly acts as an intermediary between the frame member and the ties. It provides the necessary support and retention functions through simple attachment elements and latches, avoiding the need for complex direct mounting structures, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a compact, space-efficient tie storage system that prevents ties from falling off, offers easy access, and supports multiple ties without structural complexity or high production costs, while occupying minimal space when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

The brace members are hingedly attached to an inner surface of the frame member. The brace members are configured to pivot about an end of the frame member to extend from a collapsed configuration to an open configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS10506877B1Collapsible tie rack
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 EDWARDS II JOHN W
  • US10506877B1 patent drawing
  • US10506877B1 patent drawing
  • US10506877B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A collapsible tie rack includes a frame member and a hanging assembly. The frame member is configured to be mounted on a wall and encloses a space. The hanging assembly comprises brace members hingedly attached to an inner surface of the frame member to pivot about an end of the frame member to extend from a collapsed configuration to an open configuration and retract from the open configuration to the collapsed configuration. The hanging rods are fixedly attached to the brace members and spaced apart in a parallel arrangement to hang a plurality of ties. In the collapsed configuration, the hanging assembly is retracted and positioned within the space enclosed by the frame member. The hanging assembly is detachably attached to the frame member via one or more attachment elements, for example, latches, etc.