Modular holder for textile fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile fabric drying holders are difficult to set up to desired length, prone to corrosion, and can damage fabrics due to sharp points and edges, and are challenging for people with disabilities to use, especially when handling thicker or thinner fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A modular holder composed of two types of units - an end unit with three holes and a function unit with an oval polymer molding featuring a linear and waved pinch slot, allowing adjustable and robust retention of fabrics with an interference fit mechanism, eliminating the need for pegs and enabling easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wire links with inter-engaging loops are used to create adjustable length, then the holder can be set to desired length, but it becomes difficult to set up the desired length and prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple modular units (end units and function units) that can be connected in sequence. Each unit has a standardized structure with connection elements, allowing the holder to be assembled to any desired length by simply connecting units together rather than adjusting a continuous wire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The function units are replicated multiple times along the holder structure. Each function unit contains identical connection interfaces and pinch slot mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining consistent functionality throughout the variable-length structure.
2Device complexity
If wire links with sharp points and edges are used, then the holder structure is simple, but it damages the textile fabrics that are hung on the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The wire link structure is replaced with a polymer molding that forms a flexible, rounded shell structure. The pinch slot is formed by flexible elastic side rails that create a gentle clamping action without sharp edges, protecting the fabric while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder uses composite construction combining polymer materials with reinforced edges. The polymer body provides smooth, fabric-friendly surfaces while embedded reinforcements maintain structural strength, eliminating the need for exposed metal wire with sharp points.
3Reliability
If conventional pinch slot holders are used, then the holder can retain fabrics, but it is difficult to hang thicker, heavier or very thin fabrics due to poor formability
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch slot is formed by flexible elastic side rails that can dynamically adjust their shape and opening width. When fabric is inserted, the rails flex to accommodate different thicknesses and then clamp down with appropriate force, providing reliable retention for light, heavy, thin, or thick fabrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the pinch slot (width, depth, flexibility) are designed to be adjustable within a range. The elastic side rails can change their configuration based on the fabric being hung, allowing the same structure to adapt to various fabric types without requiring multiple specialized holders.
4Reliability
If conventional holders are used, then the holder can suspend fabrics, but use and manipulation is relatively difficult especially for people with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The holder units are designed to connect to each other through simple self-aligning interfaces. The end units and function units automatically orient themselves during assembly, and the connection mechanism requires minimal force and dexterity, making it accessible to people with disabilities while maintaining reliable fabric suspension.
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 modular holder provides flexible and robust fabric retention for various fabric thicknesses, easy installation and use, including for people with disabilities, while being practical, space-efficient, and aesthetically versatile for both indoor and outdoor use.
Implementation Method 1
The recess has a mouth shape to allow the neck to pass through it with an interference fit to provide a hinge attaching each unit to another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises of two types of units, which can be assembled and joined together to form a chain. Front part (2) of each unit consists of oval reinforced enlargement with a boss shape (5) having a cylindrical neck (6) and a circular enlargement (9) with a reinforced ledges (7). The end part (4) of each unit consists of a formed drop-shaped opening (17), an entrance (18) and a part-circular recess (19) for receiving the neck (6). The recess (19) has a mouth shape to allow the neck (6) to pass through it with an interference fit to provide a hinge attaching each unit to another. The intermediate part (3) consists of linear and waved pinch slot (10) formed between two semi rigid side portions of the moulding which diverge away from one another so that the pinch slot (10) can be created.