Offset-Cylinder Duvet Gripper for Solo Covering and Sheet Stretching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for covering large and heavy duvets with covers and stretching large sheets require two people, making it difficult for a single person to perform these tasks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base and a movable cylindrical element that can rotate between a pinching and free position, allowing a single person to easily cover a duvet with a cover and stretch a sheet, featuring non-slip surfaces and a spring-secured foot for attachment to a support, enabling solo operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a device uses a movable element that requires manual separation to insert the duvet, then the pinching force is strong enough to secure the duvet, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must manually separate the pinching surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The movable element is shaped so that its center of gravity is positioned to create a counterbalancing moment that automatically opens the pinching surfaces. When the duvet is inserted, it triggers the movable element to rotate, and the gravitational force on the offset axis ensures the element returns to its initial open position, facilitating easy insertion without manual separation while maintaining strong pinching force during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static pinching mechanism to a dynamic one where the movable element can rotate between an open position (for easy insertion) and a closed pinching position (for secure holding). The offset axis of rotation enables this dynamic movement, allowing the pinching surfaces to automatically separate and close based on the insertion action, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and pinching force.
2Ease of operation
If the device is designed to be used by a single person, then the ease of operation improves, but the productivity deteriorates because one person cannot simultaneously manage both ends of a large duvet
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two independent identical units, each capable of independently pinching one corner of the duvet. This segmentation allows a single user to operate both ends simultaneously or sequentially without coordination complexity, maintaining productivity while enabling solo operation. Each unit functions autonomously with its own movable element and pinching mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the movable element has an offset axis of rotation, then the ease of operation improves by enabling automatic opening, but the device complexity increases due to the asymmetric design
Solution Approach 1:
The movable element intentionally employs asymmetric design with an offset axis of rotation rather than a symmetric central axis. This asymmetry creates the automatic opening function through gravitational moment, where the center of gravity is positioned to generate rotational force that opens the pinching surfaces. The asymmetric structure is simple yet effective, avoiding complex mechanisms while achieving the desired automatic operation.
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 a single person to easily cover a duvet and stretch a sheet without assistance, improving usability and reducing the need for a second person, with the device returning to a free position under its own weight for easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile element is shaped so as to return to the free position under its own weight
Implementation Method 2
each gripping surface is covered with a non-slip material
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an aid for covering a comforter with a duvet cover and for stretching a sheet (100), comprising: a base (102) having a first gripping surface (104) and an attachment means for attaching said base (102) onto a mounting; and a movable element (106) which has a second gripping surface (108) and which is rotatable with respect to the base (102) about a rotational axis (110), between a free position, in which the two gripping surfaces (104, 108) are spaced apart from each other, and a gripping position, in which the two gripping surfaces (104, 108) are clamped against each other, wherein the aid (100) is characterized in that the movable element (106) is a rotationally symmetrical cylinder, the axis of which is offset relative to the rotational axis (110).