Telescopic clothes drying rack

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing telescopic clothes drying racks face issues with uncontrolled and abrupt unlocking of the second rods from the third rods, leading to difficulties in compacting the device vertically, and require manual adjustment of tilting grilles for optimal packing, which is inefficient and prone to accidental unlocking.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a controlled unlocking mechanism using a specific button to release the second rods from the third rods, ensuring precise user command and improved locking/unlocking mechanisms for the grilles to maintain optimal positioning without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the second rods are unlocked from the third rods using gravity-free exposure, then the rods can be freely reinserted, but the unlocking becomes uncontrolled and abrupt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of rod reinsertionVSAvoidcontrol of unlocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses gravity to automatically reinsert the rods after unlocking, eliminating the need for manual reinsertion effort. The unlocking button initiates the process, but gravity completes it by pulling the rods back into place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of uncontrolled abrupt unlocking is mitigated by extracting the gravity-free exposure function from the unlocking mechanism itself. Instead, gravity-free exposure is applied only to the reinsertion phase, separating the unlocking control function from the reinsertion function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of tilting grilles is required for optimal packing, then the grilles can be positioned correctly, but the packing process becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of grillesVSAvoidpacking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting grilles automatically adjust to their optimal packing position through gravity when the structure is compacted. The hinge connections allow the grilles to self-align and pack tightly without manual intervention, improving packing efficiency while maintaining position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If the grilles are allowed to move freely during compacting, then automatic positioning is achieved, but accidental unlocking may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic grille positioningVSAvoidstability of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state only when the button is pressed. During compacting, the grilles are allowed to move dynamically to achieve optimal positioning, while the locking pins remain engaged unless intentionally released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The button acts as an intermediary control element that mediates between the user's intent to compact and the locking mechanism. It provides a deliberate activation point that prevents accidental unlocking while allowing controlled movement of grilles during the compacting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3597814B1Telescopic clothes drying rack
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 FILPLAST
  • EP3597814B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3597814B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3597814B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Clothes drying rack provided with a frame composed of two telescopic uprights in side-by-side position, which are suitable for supporting opposite pairs of tilting grilles in intermediate position at different heights; wherein said clothes drying rack is provided with innovative means that allow folding said uprights and said tilting grilles in compact position in an easy, reliable way.