Design and fabrication of a weather sensing cloth drying rack

Traditional cloth drying racks pose challenges in unpredictable weather, requiring frequent user intervention. This project focuses on designing and fabricating an automated weather-sensing cloth drying rack equipped with a rain sensor and motorized retractable system to enhance drying efficiency and user convenience. The design process involved concept development, CAD modeling, material selection, and fabrication using mild steel for structural stability. Engineering analysis determined the maximum load capacity (3kg), motor torque requirements, and force distribution to ensure smooth operation. Testing validated that the rain sensor successfully detected precipitation within 3 seconds, triggering the rack’s automatic retraction, effectively protecting clothes from rain. Performance evaluation indicated efficient mechanical operation with minimal response delay. However, improvements in sensor calibration, wind resistance, and structural reinforcement are recommended for future enhancements. This project demonstrates the feasibility of integrating automated drying solutions in residential applications, providing a reliable, user-friendly, and weather-adaptive alternative to manual drying methods.