Barrier assembly for preventing items from falling behind domestic appliances and a method of using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic appliances like washers and dryers create a gap that allows items to fall behind, making retrieval difficult and labor-intensive, and poses a fire hazard if not addressed.
Innovation Solution
A barrier assembly with mesh nets and pivotable columns that attach to the upper periphery of appliances, allowing the nets to pivot and adhere to the surface, preventing items from falling by covering the gap between the appliance and the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If washers and dryers are positioned close to walls to save space, then space utilization is improved, but items can fall behind the appliances and become difficult to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a barrier assembly as an intermediary device between the appliance and the wall. This assembly includes a mesh net attached to the appliance that extends downward to prevent items from falling into the gap, while still allowing visibility and access. The barrier assembly mediates the conflict by maintaining close positioning while preventing item loss.
2Ease of operation
If washers and dryers are moved away from walls to prevent items from falling behind, then item retrieval is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier assembly serves as a mediator that allows the appliance to maintain its optimal position close to the wall while preventing items from falling behind. The mesh net structure provides a physical barrier that stops items from entering the gap, eliminating the need to position appliances farther from walls.
3Ease of operation
If heavy appliances are moved to retrieve fallen items, then item retrieval is possible, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier assembly is installed in advance on the appliance to prevent items from falling behind in the first place. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the need for future retrieval operations, saving time and effort that would otherwise be spent moving heavy appliances to access fallen items.
4Reliability
If the barrier assembly uses rigid structure to prevent items from falling, then prevention effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different appliance positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier assembly incorporates a flexible mesh net structure that can dynamically adapt to different appliance positions and orientations. The mesh net can bend and conform to the appliance surface while maintaining its barrier function, allowing the assembly to work effectively regardless of the appliance's position relative to the wall.
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
Reduces the need for manual retrieval and movement of heavy appliances, minimizes the risk of fire hazards, and saves time and effort by preventing items from falling unnoticed.
Implementation Method 1
a lower portion of each mesh net providing an adhesive for adhering to a surface of each of the at least one appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier assembly for preventing items from falling behind domestic appliances and a method of using the same is provided. The barrier assembly provides one or more mesh nets, each mesh net extending between two pivotable columns. Each pivotal column is mounted to spaced apart surfaces along an upper periphery of an appliance. As a result, each independent mesh net may be pivoted to different angles of incident relative to the upper surface of the appliance so as to close off the space between that portion of the periphery of the appliance and an adjacent wall, preventing item from falling therein.