Device for drying of laundry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying devices with small diameter rods and cords result in deep kinked folds in dried laundry due to inadequate support, and previous solutions like slotted tubes are prone to rotational instability when asymmetric loads are applied, leading to laundry falling or wrinkling.

Innovation Solution

A slotted attachment tube with inwardly drawn side walls forming legs that create a frictional connection with the drying rod or line, optionally combined with a positive clamping mechanism, to prevent twisting and ensure secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a slotted extension tube is placed on the drying rod or line, then the diameter of the drying rod or line is increased, but the extension tube becomes rotatable around the drying rod or line when asymmetric loads are applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediameter of drying rodVSAvoidrotational stability of extension tube
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The extension tube features an asymmetric T-shaped cross-section with one flat side and one curved side. The flat side contacts the drying rod or line, creating a non-circular interface that prevents rotation. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the extension tube maintains a fixed orientation relative to the drying rod, eliminating the rotational instability that occurs with symmetric circular tubes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If the extension tube is made with a simple slotted design, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection between the extension tube and drying rod becomes insecure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicity of extension tubeVSAvoidconnection security between extension tube and drying rod
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The T-shaped asymmetric cross-section is manufactured by extruding a profile with one flat side and one curved side. This asymmetric shape is then slotted to allow placement over the drying rod. The combination of asymmetric geometry and slotting provides both secure connection (preventing rotation) and ease of manufacture (through extrusion processes).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The extension tube has different surface qualities at different locations: the flat side provides a stable contact surface with the drying rod, while the curved side provides structural integrity and prevents rotation. The slot is positioned to allow insertion while maintaining these local quality differences. This localized differentiation of surface properties enhances connection security without complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reliable non-positive clamping effect that prevents twisting of the attachment tube relative to the drying rod or line, ensuring even distribution of laundry and preventing kinks or creases, while allowing for easy installation and removal.

Implementation Method 1

a force-fit connection between the legs and the drying rod or line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3553223B1Device for drying of laundry
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 DOMINGO VECCHIONI LUIS
  • EP3553223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553223B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3553223B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for drying laundry on a support frame equipped with drying rods (1) or lines, wherein a slotted extension tube (2) is arranged on each of the drying rods (1) or lines to increase the diameter of the respective drying rod (1) or line, the laundry to be dried is placed on the extension tube (2) and a connection can be established between the drying rod (1) or line and the extension tube (2), wherein the side walls (10) of the extension tube (2) are led inwards into the extension tube (2) and are extended as legs (5) almost to the inner wall (7) of the extension tube (2) opposite the slot (3), wherein a clear distance between the legs (5) is dimensioned such that a positive and/or force-fit connection exists between the legs (5) and the drying rod (1) or line.