Retractable Dryer Vent Hose Assembly to Prevent Kinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryer vent connection methods are difficult to install, prone to kinking, which can cause fires and reduce dryer efficiency, and often require multiple people or complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A retractable clothes dryer vent system with a support, duct coupling, dryer vent hose, and retraction guide assembly that allows the vent hose to be connected to the dryer before installation, eliminating kinking through retractable lines or elastic materials that maintain tension and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible dryer vent hose is used to connect the clothes dryer exhaust pipe to the outside vent, then the connection can be made easily and the dryer can be positioned away from the rear wall during installation, but the hose becomes kinked after the dryer is moved close to the rear wall, causing fire hazards and reducing dryer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a retractable vent hose mechanism that dynamically adjusts its state between extended and retracted positions. The hose is equipped with a retraction system (including springs and guides) that automatically pulls the hose back into a safe, non-kinked position after the dryer is installed against the wall, preventing the kinking problem while maintaining installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The vent hose is pre-connected to the dryer exhaust before the dryer is positioned against the wall. The retraction mechanism is pre-configured to automatically return the hose to a safe state after installation, preventing kinking before it can cause fire hazards
2Ease of operation
If a flexible dryer vent hose is used, then the dryer can be installed away from the rear wall, but the kinks in the hose reduce dryer efficiency and cause dangerous exhaust gases to be emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable mechanism dynamically maintains the hose in an optimal state for exhaust flow. After the dryer is installed against the wall, the retraction system automatically pulls the hose back to eliminate kinks and restrictions, ensuring continuous efficient exhaust operation without compromising installation flexibility
3Reliability
If rigid pipe connected with elbows is used to connect the clothes dryer to the outside duct, then the connection can be made after the clothes dryer is installed, but several inches of space between the dryer and the wall are necessary, and the installation is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid pipes with a flexible vent hose that can be easily routed and connected. The flexible hose eliminates the need for rigid piping, elbows, and complex alignment procedures, while the retraction mechanism provides the stability and safety features normally associated with rigid connections
Solution Approach 2:
The vent hose is pre-connected to the dryer before installation, eliminating the need for complex post-installation piping work. The retraction mechanism is pre-configured to maintain proper hose positioning, simplifying the overall installation process while ensuring reliable exhaust connection
4Manufacturing precision
If the wall vent to the outside is meticulously installed to align exactly with the clothes dryer exhaust, then direct connection is possible, but it requires two people for installation and the wall vent must be moved if a new dryer is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible vent hose acts as a buffer that accommodates minor misalignments between the dryer exhaust and wall vent. The hose can be routed and positioned to connect the two components without requiring precise alignment, eliminating the need for two-person installation and wall vent relocation while maintaining effective exhaust flow
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
Facilitates easier and safer installation of clothes dryers, preventing kinking and lint buildup, allowing the dryer to be placed directly against the wall without restricting exhaust flow.
Implementation Method 1
elastic materials that maintain tension and alignment
Implementation Method 2
retractable lines or elastic materials that maintain tension and alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable clothes dryer vent includes a support, a duct coupling, a dryer vent hose, a dryer exhaust coupling, a first retraction guide assembly, and a second retraction guide assembly. The duct coupling is mounted in the support and has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening extending through the support. The dryer vent hose has a first end extending from the first end of the duct coupling and a second end opposite the first end. The dryer exhaust coupling extends from the second end of the dryer vent hose. The first retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling. The second retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling.