Holding device for elongated objects such as drying racks for washing or umbrellas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing presentation solutions for rotary clothes dryers are hindered by limited space, high costs, susceptibility to corrosion or moisture, and inflexibility, leading to frequent replacements and high transport costs, making it difficult to securely display and easily remove the products.

Innovation Solution

A modular support frame with receiving tubes and fastening elements, made from recycled plastic, allowing for secure fixation and easy removal of elongated objects, with dimensions optimized for logistics and adaptable to different sizes through dovetail connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal frames or wooden frames are used to securely display rotary clotheslines, then the products are stable and secure, but the frames are heavy, expensive, and susceptible to corrosion or moisture damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of display standVSAvoidweight of display stand
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal or wood to a lightweight composite material that provides sufficient mechanical strength while reducing weight and corrosion susceptibility. The support frame uses a optimized structural design with vertical supports and horizontal beams that maintains stability with reduced material mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials for the support frame structure, combining materials that offer both mechanical strength and resistance to environmental factors. The frame structure integrates multiple material properties to achieve stability without the weight and corrosion issues of traditional metal or wooden frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If complex compartments and securing mechanisms are added to prevent clotheslines from falling, then the display becomes more secure, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of product placementVSAvoidcomplexity of display structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential securing function from complex compartment structures and implements it through simple horizontal beams that rest on the rotary clotheslines. This removes unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining the security function through a minimalistic beam-based retention system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex compartments to hold the clotheslines, the patent inverts the approach by using simple horizontal beams that rest on top of the clotheslines, allowing the clotheslines themselves to support the beams. This simplifies the overall structure while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid display boxes with fixed compartments are used, then the structure is stable, but the adaptability to different space sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility of display configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display structure into modular components: vertical supports, horizontal beams, and base elements that can be independently assembled. This segmentation allows the display to be configured in different arrangements (single unit, dual units, or multi-unit configurations) while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through adjustable horizontal beams that can be positioned at different heights and locations on the vertical supports. This allows the display structure to adapt to different space requirements and product display needs while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If high securing mechanisms like waist-high beams or chains are used to prevent tipping, then the display is more stable, but the ease of customer removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-tipping stabilityVSAvoidease of product removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses horizontal beams that extend only partially across the display width, providing sufficient anti-tipping stability through strategic placement rather than full-width coverage. The beams are positioned to engage with the upper portion of the rotary clotheslines, providing adequate retention without creating high barriers that would complicate customer removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3290621B1Holding device for elongated objects such as drying racks for washing or umbrellas
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 WUSTER HEINRICH
  • EP3290621B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3290621B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3290621B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Holding device for elongate objects (11), such as rotary clothes dryers or umbrellas, the device comprising at least one support frame (1) which has one or more holding openings (2) for receiving the elongate objects (11), and that the support frame (1) is Side walls (6) is limited, which at least partially have fastening elements (5).