A passive heating and drying conduit system enabled through integration into a modified oven door. 

Through moderate modification of the oven doors currently being manufactured by General Electric, a conduit system could be integrated which would permit the passive flow of heated air (or active flow, if the convection function has been chosen) through the conduit when the oven is in use. This would allow for damp cloth items, primarily dish towels and dish drying mats based on their everyday kitchen use, to be warmed and dried without the need for further energy expenditure. This conduit system would become warm but not hot, as it would serve as the oven door handle as well.

Who

This idea is meant to help everyone, as in these present times people are looking to maximize the efficiency of the energy they are using and reduce the amount of energy they need to use. Their need therefore is an appliance which simultaneously addresses both of these concerns.

What

The approach to the need is a passive heating and drying conduit system integrated into the oven door, which channels the passive flow of heated air from the oven through the oven door handle, thereby drying cloth materials that have been draped over top. The conduit system would be a horizontal bar (either one or two parallel bars) set out from and fixed to either side of the oven door, near the top to enable it to also function as the oven door handle. It would be constructed of metal or polymer, of a diameter and thickness that permits timely heating and drying of items but also that is ergonomic for the consumer, and with sufficient insulation to ensure that the conduit does not become hot. The conduit system could also be disabled through the placement of metal caps into each opening of the conduit from the inside of the door. This allows the consumer to have further control of their appliance, and to only utilize the function when they require.

How

The conduit system maximizes the efficiency of the energy the consumer is already using and creates a situation in which they do not need to use more energy at a later date to actively dry the items. As an added benefit, the heating and drying occurs passively while the oven is in use and therefore the consumer does not need to even specifically remember that these items need drying. From General Electric's perspective, this idea increases the functionality and energy efficiency of a common household appliance with only moderate modification of pre-existing hardware. Consumers will appreciate a company implementing a modification to their appliances which addresses present concerns and provides a suitable solution to them. Therefore, moderate investment and modification leads to increased consumer interest and appeal in the updated oven.

Competitors

In terms of how the idea compares to existing solutions on the market, there is simply no such existing solution. The only oven-using alternative that has been found in the search uses a hooked bar to drape the dish towel in front of the oven, however this is no different than what the present handle does, which results in poor and ineffective drying and warming results. Another solution would be for consumers to actively dry these items in the dryer, however this requires active use of additional energy rather than utilizing energy that is already being used. Leaving the dish towels and such to dry on their own is not a practical option either for most consumers as with regular use the towels and mats never fully dry out between uses.