Dual Towel Hook with Spring-Activated Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towel hooks fail to securely retain articles like towels and robes in mobile conveyances under jolting or vibratory conditions, and they often occupy too much space, limiting their installation in smaller areas.
Innovation Solution
A dual position towel hook device with a partially rotated securing clip that applies a spring-based retention force, allowing for secure retention in vibratory conditions and a secondary non-secured stow position, which can be mounted using screws or adhesive for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional towel hook is used, then the device is simple and easy to install, but it fails to securely retain articles under jolting or vibratory conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The securing clip is designed to rotate between a first position (securing the article) and a second position (releasing the article). This dynamic movement allows the device to adapt to different operational states - locked during transit to prevent dislodgment, and unlocked when manual removal is needed, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion for mounting, a securing clip for retention, and an upper appendage for release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the body provides structural support, the clip provides secure retention through rotation, and the appendage enables easy release, collectively solving the reliability-complexity contradiction.
2Reliability
If a ring type or horizontal bar type towel holder is used, then article storage is provided, but the items are susceptible to disengagement during transit and installation is limited by space configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The securing clip's rotational capability allows it to transition from an open state (for easy installation and article placement) to a closed secured state (for reliable retention during transit). This dynamic feature enables the device to provide secure article retention in a compact form that can be installed in limited spaces without requiring complex configurations.
3Reliability
If a locked coat hook design is adapted, then article security is improved, but the apparatus requires excessive effort to free articles and has limited mounting options
Solution Approach 1:
The securing clip rotates smoothly between positions, providing secure retention during transit while allowing easy manual removal when needed. The rotational mechanism requires minimal effort to operate compared to locked designs, resolving the contradiction between article security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper appendage of the securing clip serves dual purposes: it acts as part of the securing mechanism when rotated to the first position, and serves as a convenient grip point for rotating the clip to the second position to release the article. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms, making article removal easy while maintaining security.
4Reliability
If a towel hook is designed for secure retention, then article dislodgment is prevented, but the device cannot provide a non-secured storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The securing clip's ability to rotate between a first position (secured storage) and a second position (non-secured storage) provides the device with adaptability. Users can choose the appropriate storage mode based on their needs - secured retention during transit or easy-access non-secured storage when the vehicle is stationary, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility.
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
Effectively secures towels and robes in both static and dynamic environments, reducing the likelihood of dislodgment and providing a space-efficient solution for installation in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-based retention force
Data Source
AI summary
The dual towel hook with secure retention of a hanging article is a spring activated device for securing articles such as bath and hand towels, robes, garments and the like, intended for use while traveling under jolting or vibratory conditions such as recreation vehicles, smaller nautical vessels, food trucks, semi-trucks, and airplanes. The hanging article is placed onto or removed from the hook by rotating a securing clip feature that contains a torsion spring securely encapsulated in the hook assembly, in an upward direction. The tensioned securing clip retains items placed on the hook by seeking its neutral, least untensioned position and thereby either retains the article though pressure or encloses the item placed on the hook. The towel hook device also contains a secondary, non-tensioned, position to hang articles. The dual towel hook device offers a space saving alternative to other traditional and wider bath and hand towel storage devices such as towel rings and towel bars.