Drying Rack Mounting Assembly With Sealed Power Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying rack systems are difficult to mount on vertical surfaces, requiring multiple hands and often pose challenges in connecting to electrical power due to hidden wires and moisture issues, as seen in prior art GB1044051A.

Innovation Solution

A drying rack system with a mounting device that allows for easy attachment and secure positioning on surfaces, featuring a protruding shape for sliding the drying rack assembly into place, an integrated electrical connector for simplified power connection, and a sealed connection block to protect against moisture, along with optional rotatable parts for improved alignment and user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the drying rack is mounted using a plated disc with sleeve and boss connection, then the electrical connection can be hidden in the wall, but the mounting becomes complex requiring multiple hands and the connection is not sufficiently rigid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting complexityVSAvoidconnection rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into separate components: a mounting plate fixed to the wall and a drying rack assembly that attaches to it. This segmentation allows the electrical connection to be established at the mounting plate while the drying rack can be securely attached, simplifying the mounting process and improving connection rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate serves as an intermediary element between the wall and the drying rack. It provides a stable base for electrical connections and a secure attachment point for the drying rack, eliminating the need for complex integrated mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If long electrical leads are used to connect the main supply to the terminal block, then the connection can be made, but the leads are difficult to hide and require extra hands for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection components (terminal block, connection block) are pre-positioned within the mounting device structure. This preliminary arrangement allows electrical connections to be made easily during installation without requiring long leads or multiple hands, as all connection points are already in accessible positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If an opening is arranged in the sleeve to reach the terminal block, then electrical connection is possible, but the opening is difficult to seal against moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to terminal blockVSAvoidmoisture exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block and connection block are extracted from the traditional sleeve structure and repositioned within the mounting device housing. This allows electrical connections to be accessed through sealed enclosures rather than requiring openings in moisture-exposed areas, protecting against bathroom humidity while maintaining ease of connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the drying rack assembly is slid over the mounting device, then single-handed mounting is enabled, but the alignment and positioning must be precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device incorporates asymmetric features such as positioning protrusions and corresponding recesses that guide the drying rack assembly into correct alignment during the sliding mounting process. This asymmetric design ensures precise positioning while maintaining ease of single-handed installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2654535B1A drying rack assembly and a drying rack system
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 PAX AB
  • EP2654535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2654535B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2654535B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to a mounting device (A) for mounting a drying rack assembly (B) on a surface (S), a drying rack assembly (B) adapted to be mounted on a surface (S) and a drying rack system comprising the mounting device (A) and the drying rack assembly (B). The mounting device (A) is adapted to mechanically carry the drying rack (B) on a, from the surface protruding, elongated first part ( 1 ) and comprises an electrical connector (3) on its distal end (1 b). The electrical connector is adapted to be electrically connected to the drying rack assembly (B).