Roof Window Drying Rack With Rain-Protected Retraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In small living spaces, hanging laundry to dry is inefficient as it occupies space and exposes clothes to rain, and existing solutions either waste space or are not practical for areas with significant rainfall.

Innovation Solution

An extendable laundry drying device integrated into a roof window recess, allowing laundry to be dried without occupying living space and protecting it from rain through a mechanism that can be closed when precipitation is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If laundry is hung on a drying rack inside the apartment, then laundry can be dried without exposing it to rain, but living space is significantly reduced and visual appeal is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from rainVSAvoidliving space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drying device is extracted from the interior living space and positioned in the roof window recess, allowing laundry to be dried inside the building without occupying valuable living space. The device utilizes the roof window recess as its location, effectively removing the drying function from the main living areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions the drying function from horizontal floor space to a vertical recess space in the roof window. By utilizing the recess dimension and the extendable mechanism, the device occupies space that would otherwise be unused, converting architectural void space into functional drying space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If laundry hangers are attached to the outside of windows, then living space is not wasted and drying is accelerated by sun and wind, but laundry is exposed to rain and requires additional securing devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliving spaceVSAvoidexposure to rain
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drying device incorporates an extendable mechanism that allows it to be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different conditions - extending to utilize sun and wind for drying, and providing an option to retract or cover for rain protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The roof window serves multiple functions: it provides natural light, allows ventilation, and houses the extendable drying device. The device itself combines drying functionality with space-saving retraction, creating a multi-functional solution that addresses both drying efficiency and space conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If an extendable laundry drying device is integrated into the roof window recess, then living space is optimized and laundry is protected from rain, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliving spaceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extendable drying device is nested within the roof window recess when not in use. The retracted state allows the device to be stored compactly within the existing architectural feature, minimizing its footprint and integrating seamlessly with the roof window structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables efficient drying using solar radiation and wind while keeping laundry dry, as the device can be extended only when needed and retracted when not in use, optimizing space usage and protecting laundry from rain.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the incline of the roof window, the solar radiation can act on the laundry from above through the open or closed roof window and accelerate the drying effect for the laundry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar radiation: Solar Energy

Implementation Method 2

the solar radiation can act on the laundry from above through the open or closed roof window and accelerate the drying effect for the laundry. Nevertheless, the resident can protect the laundry from precipitation simply by closing the roof window... Since the drying process is accelerated by the sun's rays and by the wind

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind: Wind

Data Source

PatentEP2843147B1Skylight with clothes drying device
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 STEBLER HLDG AG
  • EP2843147B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2843147B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2G
  • EP2843147B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to a skylight with an extendable laundry drying device.