Evolution of the Z Hook Design

COMPANY

Spendology is a tech company that uses

psychology and analytics to advance

financial and ecological intelligence.

PROBLEM

Standard towel racks and hooks dry bath

towels in approximately 20+ hours* to dry

providing an opportunity for mold & mildew

to grow.

How can towels be dried more quickly?

*Depends on depending on relative humidity, temperature, airflow, room volume, and other variables.

SOLUTION

Spread the towel out to maximize surface

area contact of the towel with the air;

enabling convection heating to more

quickly dry the towel.

*Depends on depending on relative humidity, temperature, airflow, room volume, and other variables.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN First CAD Drawing. I thought that I could make this out of ABS plastic and get it 3D printed.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN I got several quotes for 3D printing. The initial design would take 1 week to print and cost $1200+ to make one unit. The thinner design cut the cost in half.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN Toying around with a "parabolic design". I didn't get a quote for this.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN I was hoping that this would cost less to make. At this point, I started looking at plastic-injection molding and CNC Machining.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN Based on the measurements, I didn't think the towel would spread open enough so I added an angled piece. Still can't get this part machined.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN CNC Machining companies told me they couldn't fabricate the piece. Time to go back to the drawing board or CAD software in this case...

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN I eliminated the flanges and started pricing metals including aluminum and stainless steel.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN I found a Welding company in Falls Church, VA to develop a prototype for under $100! I tested the prototype and it worked!

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN Time to modify the design so that I can take it to market.

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN It looks nice but can a towel hang on it and will it work?

EVOLUTION OF THE Z HOOK DESIGN The revised design works! It dries towels in one-third of the time (approx. 6 hours vs. 20 hours based on conditions).

zhook.co