At a glance
| Patent number | CN112189973B (application CN202011016198) |
| Type | China invention patent - protects method and product structure |
| Original title | Hair drier support (一种吹风机支架) |
| Patent owner | Suzhou Greo Industrial Products Design Co ltd |
| Inventors | Tang Shihong, Xing Bin |
| Filing date | 2020-09-24 |
| Grant date | 2023-01-03 |
| Status (China) | Active - In force in China until at most 2040-09-24 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN112189973B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a blower support comprising a storage bin with a driving part and a storage part. Inside, a winding reel rotates, featuring two stations: one winds a driving rope connected to the blower, and the other winds the blower’s power line. The reel is fixed to a rotating shaft via a first locking assembly. A coil spring resets the reel, and a driving assembly rotates it. A second locking assembly in the bin matches with a positioning part on the reel.
Claim 2 details the first locking assembly: a shell fixed to the bin, a sliding lock block reset by a spring, and a cover plate with a moving groove for the block’s driving portion.
Claim 3 specifies the drive assembly: a motor output shaft with ribs, a driving wheel sleeved on the shaft with engaging and braking parts, a vertical positioning rod connected to a driving block, and a waist-shaped hole in the bin for the rod’s movement. A third locking assembly controls the working state via the rod.
Claim 4 describes the third locking assembly: a limiting block with a matching groove, a second lock block moving vertically, and a second reset spring between a blocking part and the lock block.
Claim 5 outlines the second locking assembly: a shell, a third lock block reset by a spring, positioning parts on the reel with inclined planes matching the lock block, and a contact ring on the driving wheel interacting with the lock block’s moving part.
Claim 6 adds a silicone cushion fixed in the storage compartment to reduce impact.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently active. Making or selling this specific mechanical configuration in China requires the owner’s permission. However, since there are no US patents, the design itself is not restricted by this document in the United States.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Retractable cord mechanisms are common in various industries. While this specific dual-station motorized hair dryer mount appears unique in its combination, a freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to check for broader US patents covering motorized reels, spring-loaded retractors, or specific bathroom mounting hardware.
- Electrical Safety Integration. Because the device manages a live power line, the insulation integrity of the wound cord and the separation of conductive parts from the motor assembly are critical design constraints for US market entry.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Length of driving rope and power line storage (e.g., 1.5m, 2m, 3m). |
| Motor Type | DC geared motor vs. stepper motor for precision stopping. |
| Housing Material | ABS, PC, or metal alloys; color and texture finishes. |
| Mounting Style | Wall-mount brackets, adhesive pads, or recessed installation. |
| Control Interface | Manual pull-only, button-triggered motor, or sensor-based auto-retract. |
| Cushioning | Thickness and hardness of the silicone liner. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- UL 94 / Flammability: Plastic housings must meet fire safety standards for electrical enclosures.
- NEC (National Electrical Code): Compliance regarding cord management and strain relief for appliances.
- ADA Accessibility: If installed in public hotels, reach ranges and operating forces must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
- IP Rating: Splash-proof design considerations for bathroom environments (e.g., IPX4 minimum).
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define dryer compatibility, cord length, and installation environment.
- Design - CAD modeling of the reel ratio, motor selection, and locking geometry.
- Prototype - 3D printed or CNC machined samples for fit and function testing.
- Pilot Run - Injection molding tooling, motor integration, and safety testing.
- Production - Mass manufacturing, assembly, and quality control checks.
Quantities & timeline
Tooling for the complex internal locking mechanisms and the dual-station reel requires high-precision injection molds. Motor sourcing and calibration add lead time. Certification tests for electrical safety typically take 4-8 weeks. Send us your target capacity, material preferences, quantity, and timeline and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
