Retractable Airflow Peg Panel for Footwear and Glove Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparel drying solutions, such as wall-mounted racks and boot dryers, are often cumbersome and do not blend well with home or resort décor, failing to provide convenient and aesthetically pleasing drying options for footwear and handwear.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted panel with retractable, pivotally mounted projections that emit a flow of drying air, allowing for efficient drying of apparel while maintaining a decorative appearance when not in use, featuring a heating option for enhanced drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rigidly mounted air distribution tubes are used, then air distribution function is achieved, but device appearance becomes cumbersome and does not blend with décor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the air distribution projections pivotally mounted rather than rigidly fixed. The projections can rotate between a retracted position (flush with panel surface) and an extended position (perpendicular to panel surface), allowing the device to transition between aesthetic and functional states. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between appearance and function.
2Productivity
If projections are extended for drying, then drying function is activated, but device complexity increases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the air distribution system into multiple independent pivotally mounted projections rather than a single rigid structure. Each projection can be independently positioned and retracted, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining the ability to activate drying function when needed.
3Shape
If projections are retracted into panel, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but air distribution capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pivotal mounting allows projections to be retracted into the panel surface when aesthetic appearance is prioritized, creating a flush, decorative finish. When drying capability is needed, the projections can be extended perpendicular to the panel surface, restoring full air distribution functionality. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between appearance and productivity.
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 solution provides a convenient, efficient, and aesthetically appealing method for drying footwear and handwear, ensuring timely access to outdoor activities while maintaining a stylish décor, with the ability to heat the air for faster drying.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned to heat the air passing through the projection
Implementation Method 2
a source of pressurized air having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the projection; wherein the pressurized air passes into the inlet of the projection
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies and methods for drying apparel, for example, footwear or gloves, are provided. The assemblies include a panel; projections or pegs pivotally mounted to the panel, the projections each having an inlet, an outlet, an internal passage communicating the inlet to the outlet, and the projections can be oriented in a position adapted to receive the apparel; and a source of air having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlets of the projections. The air, for example, from a fan, passes into the inlets of the projections, through the internal passages, and out of the outlets to contact and dry the apparel mounted on the projections. The methods may include heating the air to enhance the drying. Projection modules that can be pivotally mounted to extend and retract into the panel are also disclosed. The retracted projection may be flush with the panel when not in use.