Foldable Clothes Hanger Holder for Compact Drying Racks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tumble dryers with standing designs are inadequate for hanging shirts or trousers on clothes hangers without them touching the floor due to insufficient height adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible laundry drying rack with a double-legged clothes hanger holder that can be converted between unfolded and folded positions, featuring a stand leg that directs upwards for increased height and a suspension leg with hinges for secure hanging, allowing for clothes hangers to be used without floor contact, and a space-saving design that nests the legs in the folded position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the height of the means for fixing hanging hooks is increased to allow shirts or trousers to be hung without touching the floor, then the usability for hanging clothes is improved, but the compactness and storage space are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability for hanging clothesVSAvoidcompactness and storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stand leg is designed to be movable between a retracted position (for compact storage) and an extended upward position (for hanging clothes). This dynamic structure allows the drying rack to adapt its height based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between usability and compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stand leg is divided into separable segments that can be independently positioned. The first stand leg can be extended upward while the second stand leg remains in its normal position, allowing selective height adjustment without increasing the overall volume of the entire structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a fixed tall structure is used to hang clothes without touching the floor, then the hanging function is improved, but the collapsibility and space-saving design are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanging functionVSAvoidcollapsibility and space-saving design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drying rack employs dynamic, movable stand legs that can be extended only when needed for hanging clothes. When not in use, the stand legs can be retracted or folded back, maintaining the collapsible and space-saving design characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stand legs are designed as separate, independently controllable segments rather than a fixed tall structure. This segmentation allows the hanging function to be activated only when required, preserving the overall simplicity and collapsibility of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1881102B1Clotheshorse
Publication Date: 2008.09.03 LEIFHEIT
  • EP1881102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1881102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1881102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The frame includes a holder for clothes hangers (2) with two limbs (3, 4). This can be folded down, or raised. One limb supports clothes hangers (4), the other is a supporting section (3). They are hinged (10) together. The supporting section unfolds to an upward- or vertical position, with the holder for clothes hangers in a horizontal position. The holder rests on the supporting section when folded down. They nest together. Either or both have a hollow profile, especially a semi-tubular profile with corresponding internal and external diameters. The holder for clothes hangers is hinged (11) to the main frame using one or two hinges. The hinges are attached to a rail, rod, drying rod forming part of the drying rack, and/or a supporting leg of the frame. The supporting section (3) has a semi-tubular profile, its internal diameter matching an external diameter at the location of attachment. Further details of the stand and alternative configurations are provided, The frame folds together compactly.