Modular Hair Appliance Holder for Diffuser Storage and Heat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair appliance holders are not adaptable to user preferences for configuration and often hinder workspace use, particularly when trying to store hair dryers with diffusers, as they require removal of the diffuser for storage and can lead to accidental drops due to instability.

Innovation Solution

A modular hair appliance holder with a base, upright portion, and attachment system that allows for both tabletop and wall-mounted configurations, featuring removably attached tubes and hooks with a gap for exhaust port passage, and malleable pads for secure and damage-free storage, including a clip for thermal isolation and hooks with flexible arms to accommodate hair dryers with diffusers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional hair appliance holder is used, then hair appliances can be stored, but it obstructs workspace and requires diffuser removal for hair dryer storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidworkspace area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into separate functional components: a base unit and detachable appliance holding elements (tubes and hooks). This segmentation allows the holding elements to be repositioned or removed as needed, providing storage adaptability without permanently occupying fixed workspace area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder utilizes vertical space through wall-mounted capability, transitioning from horizontal workspace occupation to vertical wall space utilization. This dimensional change allows the base to rest on or be mounted to vertical surfaces, freeing up horizontal workspace while maintaining storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a traditional hair dryer holder is used, then hair dryers can be stored, but diffusers must be removed and accidental drops can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates flexible or malleable pads on the hook arms that can deform to accommodate the diffuser attachment. This dynamic adaptation allows the holder to securely grip hair dryers with diffusers attached without requiring diffuser removal, while the flexible material prevents damage and maintains stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder design changes the physical parameters of the gripping surface by incorporating soft, compliant materials that can adjust their shape and firmness. This allows the holder to adapt to different hair dryer and diffuser configurations, providing secure retention while preventing damage through controlled deformation rather than rigid contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If appliances are stored in close proximity, then space is saved, but thermal damage can occur from heating elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder footprintVSAvoidthermal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates thermal barrier elements or heat-resistant materials between the appliance holding tubes and the base structure. These intermediary components act as thermal insulation, allowing appliances to be stored in close proximity while preventing heat transfer from heating elements to the base or adjacent appliances, thus preventing thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 holder provides adaptable storage solutions that do not obstruct workspace, securely holds hair appliances including those with diffusers without requiring diffuser removal, and prevents damage by maintaining stability and thermal isolation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one malleable pad on the first arm and/or the second arm to reduce scratching and other damage, as well at to maintain the hair care appliance within the hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a clip removably attached to the support surface and offset from an adjacent hair appliance holding tube to provide a thermal barrier between the adjacent hair appliance tube and the clip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS8869996B1Appliance holder

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 CHRISTENSON ROBERT

AI summary

This disclosure relates to the field of holders for the storage of hair care appliances and similar articles wherein the hair care appliances are stored (held) for immediate use. A thermal barrier clip for use with flat irons is also disclosed for use with the holder so as to improve safety and increase the lifespan of the flat iron. A hair dryer hook is also disclosed which allows for storage of a hair dryer with a diffuser attached.