Faucet-Attached Article Warmer Using Diverted Hot Water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing towel warmers require electric power and occupy valuable space, lacking efficiency and additional storage capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A detachable article warmer that utilizes heated water from a faucet conduit, featuring a flexible enclosure with heat transfer conduits and a valve for controlling water diversion, allowing for attachment to a faucet head and wall, and providing storage options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electric power is used to operate heaters and fans in article warmers, then warming function is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarming capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electric heating elements and fans with a hydraulic system that uses diverted heated water from the faucet conduit to warm articles. The water flow itself provides both the heating medium and the air circulation function, eliminating the need for electric heaters and mechanical fans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing heated water from the faucet as the heat source, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external electric power. The diverted water naturally circulates through the enclosure and provides both thermal energy and airflow for warming articles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If large bulky enclosures are used in article warmers, then storage capacity is increased, but floor or wall space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates storage functionality within the compact warming enclosure by incorporating shelves or compartments inside the water-filled chamber. Articles can be stored inside the enclosure while being warmed, creating a nested arrangement where storage space is utilized within the limited external footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure uses thin-walled transparent plastic construction that provides sufficient structural integrity while minimizing material usage and external dimensions. The flexible thin-walled design allows the enclosure to maintain its shape while occupying minimal space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 space-efficient, electric-free method for warming towels or clothing, utilizing diverted heated water for warming and offering additional storage without the need for bulky enclosures.

Implementation Method 1

heat transfer conduits configured into the wall of the warming enclosure, and/or arranged within the warming enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9250029B1Detachable article warmer

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 MOORE CHRISTOPHER SNOWDEN

AI summary

An article warmer that is detachable to and from a faucet head and utilizes diverted water is provided. In one embodiment, the article warmer comprises a warming enclosure and a heat transfer portion that conducts heat from the diverted water to the article to be heated. The heat transfer portion may be incorporated into the wall of the enclosure or may partially disconnect from the enclosure, allowing the user to wrap articles to be warmed around the heat transfer portion. In another embodiment, the heat transfer portion is configured to form the warming enclosure. Insulating, temperature indicating, and water resistant materials may be used in the construction of the article warmer.