Foldable Laundry Hanger with Pre-Release Holding Element Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry hangers require the additional holding elements to be closed before folding, which can be inconvenient for certain applications, especially when items are not properly tensioned.
Innovation Solution
A laundry hanger with a trigger mechanism that allows the holding elements to open before the hanger arms fold, ensuring items can be removed safely without folding, and the holding elements can be manually opened or closed, featuring a coupling drive with tension elements and springs for automatic folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holding elements are coupled to open only when hanger arms are folded, then the structure is simple, but it is inconvenient when items are not properly tensioned
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into two independent stages: first the release mechanism opens the holding elements via tension elements, then the hanger arms fold independently. This segmentation allows the holding elements to be opened without requiring the arms to fold, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are opened in advance before the hanger arms fold. The release mechanism is actuated first to open the holding elements through the tension elements, and only afterward do the arms fold into the removed position. This preliminary action allows items to be accessed even if not properly tensioned, improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the holding elements open continuously during arm folding, then item removal is safe, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The opening motion of the holding elements and the folding motion of the hanger arms are merged into a single continuous process driven by the release mechanism. As the release mechanism actuates, it simultaneously opens the holding elements through tension elements and allows the arms to fold, ensuring items remain secure throughout the entire transition while maintaining reasonable mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening of the holding elements continues continuously throughout the folding process. The tension elements remain engaged with the release mechanism throughout the arm folding motion, ensuring the holding elements stay open for the duration of the arm folding, which guarantees safe item removal while maintaining a relatively simple continuous mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual opening of holding elements is allowed, then flexibility is improved, but the risk of accidental opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension elements act as intermediaries between the release mechanism and the holding elements. To open the holding elements, one must actuate the release mechanism, which then pulls the tension elements to open the holding elements. This intermediary mechanism provides flexibility for manual opening while reducing accidental opening risk, as the tension elements require deliberate actuation of the release mechanism to engage.
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
Enables the opening of holding elements before folding, facilitating safe removal of clothing and automatic unfolding after use, reducing the need for a separate unfolding step.
Implementation Method 1
The holding elements are conveniently pressed into the holding position by springs and pulled into the open position by the tension elements connected to the release mechanism. These springs also exert a restoring force on the arms, which automatically unfolds the folded arms after the garments have been removed.
Implementation Method 2
The holding elements are conveniently pressed into the holding position by springs and pulled into the open position by the tension elements connected to the release mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a clothes hanger with two hanger arms (2) arranged hingeably on a housing (1) and a release mechanism (5) arranged on or in the housing (1), which is movable between a holding position for holding the hanger arms (2) in a folded-up transport position and a release position for pivoting the hanger arms (2) into a folded-down removal position, wherein at least one holding device (16) with at least one holding element (18) movable between a closed position and an open position by means of a coupling drive (24) is arranged on each of the two hanger arms (2).According to the invention, the retaining elements (18) are coupled to the release mechanism (5) via the coupling drive (24) in such a way that the retaining elements (18) open from the holding position to the release position by the movement of the release mechanism (5) even when the bracket arms (2) are still folded up, and the opening movement of the retaining elements (18) continues continuously when the bracket arms (2) move into the folded-down removal position.