Latchable Clamp Hanger for Flat Exercise Mat Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for storing exercise mats fail to keep them in a flat, unrolled position, leading to inadequate drying and potential bacterial growth due to damp conditions, as conventional hangers either damage the mats or do not allow for proper ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A clamping hanger with a releasable standoff mechanism that holds the clamp open for easy mat insertion, featuring a non-slip surface and biasing means like springs or gravity to secure the mat, allowing it to be hung flat for drying, with options for suspension from various structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clamp mechanism is used to hold the mat, then the mat can be secured, but the user must squeeze the clamp open while lifting and positioning a heavier mat which is awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-positioned in the engaged state, automatically holding the clamp jaw open before mat insertion. The user simply needs to disengage the latch rather than manually squeeze the entire clamp mechanism, making the operation easier while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's simple disengagement action and the complex clamp mechanism. By manipulating the latch rather than the entire clamp, the user interface is simplified while the underlying clamp structure remains relatively simple
2Area of stationary object
If narrowly spaced clips are used on a clothes hanger, then thinner and lighter mats can be held, but mat corners fold objectionably and the surface area of clips is too small
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is distributed across multiple points along the mat edge through the extended clamp jaw design, rather than concentrating force at a single narrow clip location. This segmentation of the clamping action prevents localized deformation at mat corners while providing adequate support for the entire mat width
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp jaw extends in the longitudinal direction of the mat rather than only in the transverse direction. This dimensional extension allows the clamp to contact the mat at multiple longitudinal positions, distributing the clamping force and preventing corner folding while supporting larger surface areas
3Force
If intensified pressure is applied by clips with smaller surface area, then the mat can be held securely, but the surface of the mat is damaged or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp jaw incorporates a non-slip surface texture at the specific contact location with the mat, providing high friction and secure holding without requiring intensified pressure. This localized quality enhancement at the contact surface allows strong clamping force to be achieved while maintaining mat surface integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design changes the friction parameter at the contact surface through texturing or material selection, rather than increasing the pressure parameter. This parameter change allows the same clamping force to be achieved with lower pressure, preventing mat surface damage while maintaining secure holding
4Ease of operation
If exercise mats are slung over a towel bar or ballet bar, then storage is achieved, but mats do not lie flat and crease or bend them
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp jaw is pre-positioned in an open state by the latch mechanism, allowing the mat to be inserted and laid flat between the jaw and base before clamping. This preliminary positioning prevents the mat from being forced into a bent configuration during the storage operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hanging function and the mat, providing a flat clamping surface that supports the mat in its natural flat state. The latch mechanism mediates the opening and closing action, allowing mat insertion in flat position while maintaining that position during storage
5Volume of moving object
If exercise mats are stored rolled up, then transport and storage space is reduced, but mats are stored damp and do not dry quickly, building up bacteria, mold and odors
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger design enables the mat to dry itself by maintaining it in a flat, unrolled position with maximum surface area exposed to air circulation. The clamp and base structure automatically provides the drying configuration without requiring additional drying equipment or manual intervention, preventing bacterial growth through passive air drying
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 exercise mats to dry flat and unrolled, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and damage, while providing a convenient storage solution that maintains the mat's integrity and promotes air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing means may be embodied by springs
Implementation Method 2
by being gravity loaded
Implementation Method 3
The base has a pressure area with a preferably non-slip surface textured by bumps or a directional design. Additional areas of non-slip materials such as natural rubber may be used to enhance the grip of the hanger and lessen the pressure needed to hold a mat
Data Source
AI summary
A latchable, clamping hanger for hanging an exercise mat from an external support. The hanger has a clip with a jaw which can be opened by a user pressing with one hand on the clip. When the clip reaches its ‘open’ position it latches in place, freeing the user to use both hands to lift the mat and insert its upper edge between the clip and the base of the hanger. Once the mat is in place the clip latch is released, and the hanger will hold the mat in an unrolled position so that it can dry flat.