Oval Rod Structures for Stable, Crease-Free Utility Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical metal wires and rods used in household items face challenges such as difficulty in welding due to limited contact area, causing instability and creases in textiles, and aesthetic issues like unwanted reflections and unattractive appearances, especially in kitchen and bathroom items.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing oval-shaped metal rods with wide and narrow surfaces for improved contact and stability, allowing for better welding and ergonomic design, while providing a sleek, modern appearance and enhanced light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical wires or rods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the welding is difficult due to limited contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the rod cross-section from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric oval shape. This asymmetric oval cross-section provides a larger surface area for welding contact while maintaining structural integrity, directly resolving the welding difficulty caused by the limited contact area of cylindrical rods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cylindrical wires are used, then the structure is simple, but textiles develop creases due to line contact
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric oval cross-section is oriented such that its wider dimension contacts the textile, transforming the line contact of cylindrical rods into a broader surface contact. This reduces pressure concentration and prevents crease formation in suspended textiles while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using the wider dimension of the oval cross-section specifically at contact points with textiles, while the narrower dimension provides structural strength. This localized optimization of the cross-section shape addresses the textile crease problem without requiring complete redesign of the entire rod structure.
3Illumination intensity
If cylindrical wires with reflective surfaces are used, then the material is easy to polish, but the light reflection is disorganized and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric oval cross-section creates organized light reflection patterns that are more aesthetically pleasing than the disorganized reflection from cylindrical rods. The elongated shape provides a directional reflection quality that enhances visual appeal while maintaining the polishability of the metal surface.
4Stability of the object's composition
If cylindrical rods are used, then the structure is simple, but the force transmission concentrates and causes instability
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric oval cross-section distributes transmitted forces more evenly across its broader surface area compared to cylindrical rods. This improved force distribution reduces stress concentration points and enhances the stability of suspended products, directly addressing the instability caused by concentrated force transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An implement for use in a bathroom or a kitchen which is composed of at least one rod which is oval in cross section, the rod being aesthetic in appearance and providing an advantageous force distribution over rods with circular cross sections. The implement can be a hanging device, such as a hanger, a hanger for ties and belts, and many other variations having a hook portion for engaging a cylindrical support, an over-the-door/vertical wall device also including the rods with the oval cross section, the latter devices being, for example, clothes supporting hooks, hooks for articles made from fabric; wire metal baskets having a rim and/or transition device made from a rod with an oval cross section; paper or magazine holders comprising parallel racks separated by upstanding walls; bag dispenser and handles for implements.