Drying rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a vehicle cabin system that can efficiently dry articles such as clothing while providing utility to occupants, as existing solutions do not effectively integrate drying functionality within the vehicle's components.
Innovation Solution
An article-drying system is integrated into the occupant support in vehicles, which can pivot from a storage configuration to a use configuration, positioning articles in line with a stream of drying fluid for efficient heat transfer and drying, utilizing a carrier member and branch members to extend out of the occupant support and align with vehicle vents or ducts for drying fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the article-drying system is integrated into the occupant support and kept concealed, then the cabin space is maximized and aesthetics are maintained, but the system cannot access articles for drying
Solution Approach 1:
The article-drying system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between a concealed storage configuration and an extended use configuration. The system includes a movable rack structure that can be deployed from the occupant support to access articles, then retracted back into the support structure. This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain a compact profile during storage while providing full functionality during operation, resolving the contradiction between space maximization and operational accessibility.
2Reliability
If the article-drying system extends out of the occupant support to receive articles, then articles can be dried, but the system occupies additional cabin space
Solution Approach 1:
The article-drying system employs a nested design where the drying rack structure is stored within the occupant support structure when not in use. The rack can be folded or telescoped into the support framework, similar to a nested doll configuration. This nesting approach allows the system to provide complete drying functionality when deployed while occupying minimal additional cabin volume during storage, as the drying components are contained within the existing support structure.
3Reliability
If the article-drying system is permanently fixed to the occupant support, then the system is stable and reliable, but the system cannot be concealed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic mounting mechanisms that provide both stability during operation and concealment during storage. The article-drying system is attached to the occupant support with movable joints and securing mechanisms that allow the rack to be firmly fixed when deployed for drying, ensuring stability and reliability. When not in use, the same mechanisms allow the rack to be retracted and concealed within the support structure. This dynamic attachment system resolves the contradiction by providing context-dependent fixation - stable when needed, concealed when not needed.
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 system efficiently dries articles by utilizing the vehicle's heating and ventilation system, keeping them organized and accessible within the cabin, while being compact and concealed in the storage configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The article-drying system is configured to provide heat transfer to the article to dry the article
Implementation Method 2
positioning the article in line with a stream of drying fluid for efficient heat transfer and drying
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant support for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seat back. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes an integrated article-drying system configured to dry articles.