Adhesive Hanger Spacer Tape for Even Closet Rod Spacing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Closet organization is challenging due to the variety of hanger types and the tendency for clothing to become disorganized, with existing solutions having notable drawbacks such as disrupting spacing when items are removed or requiring complex installation.

Innovation Solution

A flexible hanger spacer tape with protrusions spaced at regular intervals, adhesive for easy mounting on rods, and the ability to customize spacing, allowing for even alignment and organization of hangers and clothing without cluttering the closet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hanger organization methods are used, then hangers can be hung freely, but clothing becomes disorganized and difficult to find

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of finding clothingVSAvoidorganization of closet
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into discrete spacing locations using bumpers attached at regular intervals. Each bumper creates a defined stopping point for hangers, segmenting the continuous rod into organized sections. This segmentation maintains stable spacing between hangers while allowing easy access to individual items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Bumpers serve as intermediary elements between the rod and hangers. These bumpers are attached to the rod and provide physical stops that prevent hangers from sliding past certain points. The bumpers mediate the interaction between hangers and the rod, creating organized spacing without requiring direct modification of the hangers themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hangers are allowed to move freely on the rod, then access to clothing is easy, but spacing becomes irregular and closet appears cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to clothingVSAvoidappearance of closet
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The rod surface is segmented into discrete zones by bumpers placed at regular intervals. Each bumper defines a specific location where hangers should be positioned, creating a visually organized pattern. This segmentation maintains the aesthetic appearance while preserving functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than uniformly restricting all hanger movement, the system applies localized stops at specific intervals. The bumpers create local constraints at discrete positions while leaving other areas free. This local quality approach maintains overall organization while allowing flexibility in individual hanger placement within each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If fixed spacing devices are installed to maintain organization, then closet appearance improves, but installation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganization of closetVSAvoidinstallation of spacing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The organization system is divided into independent, identical bumper units that can be attached separately at different locations. Each bumper is a standalone component that can be installed individually using simple adhesive application. This segmentation allows flexible installation without requiring complex assembly or professional installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bumpers are designed as simple, inexpensive adhesive-backed components that can be easily applied and removed without damage. The use of common adhesive materials and simple plastic or rubber bumper components keeps the system inexpensive and easy to install, making it accessible for typical consumers rather than requiring specialized installation equipment or expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to attach bumpers to the rod, then installation is simple, but removal may damage the rod surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation of bumperVSAvoiddamage to rod surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bumpers are designed as temporary, removable components using standard adhesive materials. The adhesive is selected to provide sufficient holding strength for normal use while allowing clean removal without damaging the rod surface. This approach accepts that the components are meant to be repositionable and removable, designing them for temporary attachment rather than permanent fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive properties are selected to provide appropriate bonding strength for the application. By carefully choosing adhesive parameters (strength, flexibility, removal characteristics), the system achieves a balance between secure attachment during use and clean removal without damage. The adhesive parameters are optimized to prevent both premature detachment and permanent damage upon removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hanger spacer tape maintains even spacing of hangers and clothing, allowing for easy customization and organization, keeping the closet clean and organized while allowing for easy adjustment and use on various surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive provided along the bottom surface of the flexible elongated main body, wherein the hanger spacer device is configured to be mounted to a rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11470990B2Hanger spacer tape
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 DONEGAN STEPHEN P
  • US11470990B2 patent drawing
  • US11470990B2 patent drawing
  • US11470990B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hanger spacer tape device having a flexible elongated body and a plurality of bumps or protrusions formed on one side thereof. The hanger spacer tape device allows hangers to be spaced at intervals and stay aligned to provide effective and efficient organization of hangers and can be coiled onto itself. The hanger spacer tape device can also include an adhesive and parallel troughs formed along a length of the hanger spacer tape device.