Laundry drying rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry drying racks face durability and load-bearing capacity issues due to material property changes in plastics, leading to impaired connections over time.
Innovation Solution
A laundry drying rack design featuring positive latching connections between cross members and elongated holding means, utilizing a structurally simple latching connection formed by a connecting element and body, with radial elasticity and a spigot latching mechanism for secure and easy assembly, and potentially made from molded plastic for cost reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastics are used for holding means and cross members, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but material property changes over time reduce durability and load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: holding means with connecting elements and cross members with connecting bodies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - plastics can be used for ease of manufacture while metal reinforcements provide durability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction where plastic holding means and cross members are combined with metal reinforcing elements (such as inserts or coatings). This composite approach maintains the manufacturing advantages of plastics while incorporating the durability and load-bearing capacity of metal materials, directly addressing the reliability concern.
2Reliability
If positive latching connections are used between holding means and cross members, then connection durability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positive latching connection is segmented into discrete, pre-formed components (connecting elements on holding means and connecting bodies on cross members). This allows the complex latching mechanism to be manufactured separately with high precision and then assembled through a straightforward insertion process, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining connection durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching connection is designed to be self-actuating through simple insertion motion. The geometric features of the connecting elements and bodies automatically engage to create the positive latching connection without requiring additional fastening steps, tools, or complex assembly procedures, thus maintaining low assembly complexity despite high connection reliability.
3Strength
If non-detachable latching connections are used, then connection strength and durability are improved, but flexibility for assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latching connection is designed with dynamic characteristics - while providing strong, durable connection during use, the system allows for controlled detachment when needed. The connecting elements and bodies are designed with geometric features that maintain strong engagement under load but permit intentional separation, balancing connection strength with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable latching connection enables the system to be disassembled, individual components to be replaced or recovered, and the rack to be reassembled. This allows maintenance and adaptation while preserving the strength and durability of the connection through proper redesign of the connecting elements and bodies.
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 durable, high-load-bearing, and easily assembled laundry drying rack with flexible assembly options, ensuring long-term performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the latching means for insertion into the latching structure of the connecting body has radial elasticity, at least in some regions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A laundry drying rack (10), comprising at least two mutually opposing cross members (12) and a plurality of elongated holding means (16), on which laundry items can be arranged for drying, wherein the holding means (16) extend between the cross members (12), and the holding means (16) connect the cross members (12) to one another, wherein the holding means (16) are coupled to the cross members (12) by positive latching connections (19).