Equipment for drying objects

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an apparatus for drying objects, the apparatus comprising: a housing providing an airflow passage having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; an airflow generating element housed in the housing and generating airflow through the airflow passage; a radiation energy source housed in the housing and generating and directing infrared radiation to the exterior of the housing, wherein the output of the radiation energy source is separate from the airflow outlet; and a power source providing power to at least the radiation energy source and the airflow generating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to apparatus for drying objects. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a hair dryer that uses infrared (IR) radiation to heat and remove water from the hair. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional hair dryers (such as hairdryers) use hot air to dry wet hair. The dryer draws in room temperature air via a motor-driven impeller and heats the airflow using resistance heating elements (such as nickel-chromium wire). The hot airflow raises the temperature of the hair and the air surrounding it. This increased temperature accelerates the evaporation of water from wet hair because it causes individual molecules in water droplets to overcome their attraction to each other and change from a liquid to a gaseous state. The higher temperature in the air surrounding the hair also lowers the relative humidity around the wet hair, which further accelerates the evaporation process.

[0003] When heating the airflow, conventional hair dryers use resistance heating elements to convert electrical energy into convective heat. However, convective heat transfer can be inefficient because only a portion of the hot airflow reaches the hair, and only a small portion of the heat carried by the airflow is transferred to the hair and the water on it (e.g., some heat is absorbed by the surrounding air). Furthermore, to achieve complete drying, the convective heat used in conventional hair dryers can overexpose the hair to the hot airflow. Heating only the surface of the hair can lead to frizz, dryness, and damage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for drying hair and other objects (e.g., fabrics) with higher energy efficiency. In the drying device of this disclosure, infrared (IR) radiation is used as a heat source to remove water and moisture from the object. The infrared radiation source can emit infrared energy to provide stable and consistent heat. The infrared energy can be directed onto the object (e.g., hair), so heat is transferred directly to the object via radiative heat transfer, which improves heat transfer efficiency.

[0005] There is also a need for compact and lightweight wireless devices for drying objects. The wireless drying device disclosed herein can be powered by a rechargeable and / or replaceable embedded battery, making the drying device portable and convenient. Due to the improved heat transfer and energy efficiency of the infrared radiation source, the operating time of the battery-operated wireless drying device can be extended, while maintaining a high output power density to ensure satisfactory drying results.

[0006] This document discloses an apparatus for drying objects. The apparatus may include: a housing providing an airflow passage having an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; an airflow generating element housed within the housing and generating airflow through the airflow passage; a radiation energy source housed within the housing and generating and directing infrared radiation to the exterior of the housing; and a power source providing power to at least the radiation energy source and the airflow generating element. The output of the radiation energy source is separate from the airflow outlet.

[0007] In some instances, an air filter may be located at the airflow inlet. In some instances, the airflow generating element may include a motor-driven fan, whose rotation, when actuated, generates the airflow through the airflow passage. The fan's rotational speed is adjustable.

[0008] In some instances, the radiation energy source may include an infrared lamp. In one embodiment, the infrared lamp may include a laser device. The laser device may include optical elements that disperse the infrared radiation along a predetermined direction. In one embodiment, the infrared lamp may include a reflector having an opening facing the exterior of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0009] The optical element may be an optical lens. In one embodiment, the infrared lamp may have a generally annular shape. The infrared lamp may surround the airflow outlet, or the infrared lamp may be surrounded by the airflow outlet. In one embodiment, the infrared lamp may have a generally conical shape.

[0010] This radiation emitter can emit radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.7 μm to 20 μm. The radiation emitter may include a conductive resistor, a ceramic heater, or an LED. The reflector may have a degree of vacuum inside. For example, the internal pressure of the reflector may be approximately 0.7 atmospheres (atm) or lower. The interior of the reflector may include an inert gas. For example, the inert gas may include argon or nitrogen.

[0011] The reflector can modulate the infrared radiation toward the opening. For example, the reflector can direct the infrared radiation toward the opening. For example, the reflector can reduce the divergence angle of the reflected infrared radiation. The cross-section of the reflective surface of the reflector can be approximately parabolic. The reflective surface of the reflector can be coated with a coating material that has high reflectivity to wavelengths produced by the radiating emitter. For example, the coating material can have high reflectivity to wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. The coating material can be selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, and aluminum. The coating material can include a metallic dielectric coating with alternating layers of dielectric material.

[0012] The optical element can filter wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the radiation emitted by the radiator. The optical element can also focus the infrared radiation along a predetermined direction or reduce its divergence angle. In some instances, a portion of the airflow can be directed from the airflow channel to the optical element.

[0013] In some instances, the radiation energy source may include a plurality of infrared lamps. Each of the plurality of infrared lamps may include a reflector having an opening facing the exterior of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0014] The plurality of infrared lamps can be arranged in a ring. The ring can surround the airflow outlet, or the ring can be surrounded by the airflow outlet. In one embodiment, the directions of the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps can intersect each other. The infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps can overlap at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet. In some instances, the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps can overlap at a distance of approximately 10 cm in front of the airflow outlet to form a circular spot with a diameter of approximately 10 cm. This circular spot can receive at least 60% of the energy of the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps. The average power density in the circular spot can be at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts per square meter (W / m) 2 ).

[0015] In some instances, the power source may include one or more batteries received within the housing. The batteries may be rechargeable and / or replaceable. The housing may include a body and a handle. The batteries may be at least partially received within the handle. The handle is detachable from the body. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow inlet may be located at the body. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow inlet may be located at the handle. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow outlet may be located at the body. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow outlet may be located at the handle.

[0016] In some instances, the power source may include a power adapter connected to the power source via a wire. In one embodiment, the power source may include a battery external to the device. In another embodiment, the power source may include a power grid.

[0017] In some instances, the airflow channel may surround the outer periphery of the radiant energy source.

[0018] In some instances, the temperature rise of the airflow passing through the airflow channel caused by the radiant energy source may not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. In some instances, the device may also include at least one sensor disposed within the housing. The at least one sensor may include a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, or a humidity sensor. In some instances, the object may be a hair. In some instances, the object may be fabric.

[0019] Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown and described by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure. As will be appreciated, the disclosure is capable of having other different embodiments and modifications can be made to several details therein in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0020] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication, patent or patent application were expressly and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The novel features of the invention are specifically set forth in the appended claims. The features and advantages of the invention can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate illustrative embodiments utilizing the principles of the invention, as shown in the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an airflow generating element and a radiant energy source in an exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary radiant energy source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the appearance of an exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5This is a side view showing the appearance of another exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing another exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an airflow generating element and a radiant energy source in another exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary radiant energy source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the appearance of another exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another exemplary radiant energy source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 11 This illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary radiant energy source;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 13 An example of a device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein can be used to practice the invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used in the specification and appended claims are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0037] Unless otherwise stated, all figures used in this specification and claims to represent component parameters, technical effects, etc., should in any instance be understood to be modified by the terms "approximately" or "roughly". Therefore, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed in the following specification and appended claims are approximate values ​​that may vary depending on the desired properties and effects sought to be obtained through the invention. At least and not at all, the application of the doctrine of equivalence is to be limited to the scope of the claims; each numerical parameter should be interpreted according to the number of significant figures and conventional rounding methods.

[0038] Although the numerical ranges and parameters illustrating the broad scope of the invention are approximate, the values ​​presented in the specific examples are provided as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value will inherently contain some errors, which are necessarily caused by the standard deviation found in its corresponding test measurement. Each numerical range given in this specification will include every narrower numerical range falling within that wider range, as if these narrower numerical ranges were explicitly stated herein.

[0039] This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for drying objects. The drying apparatus of this disclosure can remove water and moisture from objects (e.g., hair, fabric, animal fur, or human hands) by utilizing an infrared (IR) radiation source as a heat energy source. The infrared radiation source can emit infrared energy with a preset wavelength range and power density to heat the object. The heat carried by the infrared energy is directly transferred to the object via radiative heat transfer, resulting in improved heat transfer efficiency compared to conventional convective heat transfer (e.g., virtually no heat is absorbed by the surrounding air via radiative heat transfer, whereas in conventional heat conduction, a large portion of the heat is absorbed and carried away by the surrounding air). The infrared radiation source can be used in conjunction with an airflow generating element (e.g., a motor-driven impeller), which further accelerates the evaporation of water from the object.

[0040] Another advantage of using infrared radiation as a heat energy source is that infrared heat can penetrate the hair shaft down to the cuticle, thus drying the hair faster and leaving it soft and supple. Infrared energy is also believed to benefit scalp health and stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. Because it eliminates the need for resistive grids to heat the airflow, the use of infrared radiation sources allows for compact and lightweight drying devices. The improved heat transfer and energy efficiency of infrared radiation sources can also extend the runtime of wireless drying devices powered by embedded batteries.

[0041] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hair dryer may include a housing 101. The housing 101 may accommodate various electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical components, such as an airflow generating element 102, a radiation source 103, control circuitry (not shown), and a power adapter (not shown). The radiation source 103 may be configured to generate radiant heat and direct the heat to the user's hair. The airflow generating element 102 may be configured to generate an airflow that promotes the evaporation of water from the user's hair. The hair dryer may include a power source configured to power at least the radiation source and the airflow generating element.

[0042] The hair dryer can be powered by an external power source. The power source may include a power adapter that regulates the voltage and / or current received from the external power source. For example, the hair dryer can be powered by an external battery or power grid via a wire. Alternatively or additionally, the hair dryer may be powered by an embedded power source. The power source may include one or more batteries received within a housing. The one or more batteries may be rechargeable (e.g., secondary batteries) and / or replaceable. In an exemplary example, one or more batteries 104 may be received within the housing of the hair dryer (e.g., the handle of the housing). The battery status (e.g., battery charge status, remaining power) can be provided via, for example, a screen or light-emitting diode (LED) indicator on the housing.

[0043] The housing may include a body and a handle, each of which may receive at least a portion of electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical components therein. In some instances, the body and handle may be integral. In some cases, the body and handle may be separate components. For example, the handle may be detachable from the body. In an exemplary example, a detachable handle may house one or more batteries for powering the hair dryer. The housing may be made of an electrically insulating material that has high resistance to current. Examples of electrically insulating materials may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyester, polyolefins, polystyrene, polyurethane, thermoplastics, silicone, glass, fiberglass, resin, rubber, ceramics, nylon, and wood. The housing may also be made of a metallic material coated with an electrically insulating material, or a combination of an electrically insulating material and a metallic material coated or uncoated with an electrically insulating material. For example, an electrically insulating material may form the inner layer of the housing, while a metallic material may form the outer layer of the housing.

[0044] The housing may contain one or more airflow channels. Airflow generated by the airflow generating element can be directed or regulated through the airflow channels and directed toward the user's hair. For example, the airflow channels may be shaped to at least regulate the velocity, throughput, divergence angle, or vortex intensity of the airflow exiting the hair dryer. The airflow channels may include airflow inlets and airflow outlets. In an exemplary example, the airflow inlets and outlets may be positioned at opposite ends of the hair dryer along its longitudinal direction. The airflow inlets and outlets may each be vents that allow for effective airflow throughput. Ambient air can be drawn into the airflow channels through the airflow inlets to generate airflow, and the generated airflow can exit the airflow channels through the airflow outlets.

[0045] In some instances, one or more air filters may be installed at the airflow inlet to prevent dust or hair from entering the airflow channel. For example, the air filter may be a mesh with an appropriate mesh size. The air filter may be removable or replaceable for cleaning and maintenance. In some instances, an airflow regulator may be installed at the airflow outlet. The airflow regulator may be a removable nozzle, comb, or curler. The airflow regulator may be configured to regulate the speed, flow rate, divergence angle, or vortex intensity of the airflow blowing from the airflow outlet. For example, the airflow regulator may be shaped to converge (e.g., concentrate) the airflow at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet. For example, the airflow regulator may be shaped to diverge the airflow leaving the airflow outlet.

[0046] like Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, this is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an airflow generating element and a radiant energy source in an exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The airflow generating element 102 may include an impeller 1021 driven by a motor 1022. The impeller may include a plurality of blades. When the impeller is driven by the motor, the rotation of the impeller draws ambient air into the airflow channel through an airflow inlet to generate airflow, propels the generated airflow through the airflow channel, and discharges the airflow from the airflow outlet. The motor may be supported by a motor bracket or housed in a motor housing. The motor may be a brushless motor, and its rotational speed may be adjustable under the control of a controller (not shown). For example, the rotational speed of the motor may be controlled by a preset program, user input, or sensor data. The motor dimensions measured in any direction may all be in the range of 14 mm to 21 mm. The power output of the motor may be in the range of 35 to 80 watts (W). The maximum velocity of the airflow exiting the airflow outlet may be at least 8 m / s.

[0047] Despite Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram shows an airflow generating element 102 received within the body of the housing; however, those skilled in the art will understand that this airflow generating element can also be placed within the handle. For example, rotation of the impeller can draw air into a vent (e.g., an airflow inlet) located at the handle and push the air through an airflow channel to an airflow outlet located at one end of the body of the housing. The airflow channel can correspondingly extend through the handle and body of the housing.

[0048] Radiation source 103 can be configured to generate infrared radiation and direct it to the exterior of the housing. The radiation energy source can be supported by a radiation source bracket or housed within a radiation source enclosure. In some embodiments, the radiation energy source can be an infrared lamp that converts electrical energy into infrared radiation energy. In one exemplary example, the infrared lamp can include a radiation emitter configured to emit radiation of a preset wavelength and a reflector configured to reflect the radiation toward the outlet of an airflow channel. In another exemplary example, the infrared lamp can also be an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser device such as a carbon dioxide laser. In the exemplary example of using a laser device as an infrared lamp, a reflector may not be necessary. Optical elements can be provided to diffuse the radiation from the laser device to increase the area irradiated by the infrared radiation. The radiant energy can be directed to the user's hair. Thus, heat is transferred to the hair via radiative heat transfer, which increases the heat transfer efficiency of the hair dryer. Details of the infrared lamp will be provided in the following disclosure.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the exemplary example shown, an airflow channel housing 105 may be provided to define an airflow channel 107 (e.g., as a boundary of the airflow channel). The airflow channel housing 105 may extend generally from one longitudinal end of the dryer to the other longitudinal end. The motor and impeller may be positioned adjacent to the inlet end of the airflow channel housing. The characteristics of the airflow (e.g., velocity, divergence angle, or vortex intensity) can be adjusted by the airflow channel housing. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the airflow channel housing may vary along its longitudinal direction to produce a desired velocity distribution and / or divergence angle of the airflow exiting the airflow outlet. In some instances, an infrared lamp may be housed within an infrared lamp housing 106. The infrared lamp housing can be used to protect the infrared lamp. A degree of vacuum may be provided in the space between the outer surface of the infrared lamp and the inner surface of the infrared lamp housing. In some embodiments, the infrared lamp housing 106 may be placed within the airflow channel housing 105. Figure 2 As shown, at least a portion of the airflow channel 107 may be defined by the airflow channel housing 105 and the infrared lamp housing 106. Figure 4 A side view of a hair dryer with this configuration is shown, wherein the output of the infrared lamp 103 is surrounded by the airflow outlet of the airflow channel 107. In some embodiments, the infrared lamp housing may be placed outside the airflow channel housing (e.g., the infrared lamp housing is not surrounded by the airflow channel housing). Figure 5 A side view of a hair dryer with this configuration is shown, wherein the output of the infrared lamp 103 is separate from the airflow outlet of the airflow channel 107. Those skilled in the art will understand that the airflow channel housing or the infrared lamp housing may be optional.

[0050] Despite Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an airflow channel extending from an airflow inlet at one longitudinal end of the housing body to an airflow outlet at the other longitudinal end of the housing body. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the airflow inlet and / or airflow outlet can be distributed on the housing of the hair dryer of the present invention, and more than one airflow channel and / or branches of the airflow channel can be provided within the housing of the hair dryer. In one example, at least a portion of the airflow inlet can be located at the handle of the housing. In another example, at least a portion of the airflow outlet can be located at the handle of the housing, such that a portion of the airflow can be directed to and flow through one or more batteries received in the handle, thereby cooling the one or more batteries.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary radiant energy source according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the radiant energy source may be an infrared lamp. The infrared lamp 103 may include a reflector 1032 having an opening towards an airflow outlet facing an airflow channel and a radiant emitter 1031 located inside the reflector. The radiant emitter 1031 may be configured to emit radiation within a preset wavelength range. Radiation emitted from the radiant emitter may be reflected by the reflective surface (e.g., the inner surface) of the reflector 1032 toward the outside of the hair dryer.

[0052] Radiation emitters can be conductive heaters (e.g., heaters running on metal resistors or carbon fibers) or ceramic heaters. Examples of metal resistors can include tungsten wire and chromium (e.g., an alloy of nickel and chromium, also known as a nickel-chromium alloy) wire. Examples of ceramic heaters can include positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters and cermet heaters (MCH). Ceramic heaters include a metal heating element embedded within the ceramic, such as tungsten embedded within silicon nitride or silicon carbide. Radiation emitters can be provided in the form of wires (e.g., filaments). Wires can be patterned (e.g., forming spiral filaments) to increase their length and / or surface area. Radiation emitters can also be provided in the form of rods. In exemplary examples, a radiation emitter can be a silicon nitride rod, a silicon carbide rod, or a carbon fiber rod with a predetermined diameter and length.

[0053] In some instances, the radiation emitted by the radiator can substantially cover the visible spectrum from 0.4 μm to 0.7 μm and the infrared spectrum above 0.7 μm. In other instances, the radiation emitted by the radiator can substantially cover only the infrared spectrum. In one exemplary example, the radiator, when functioning, can emit radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.7 μm to 20 μm. The power density of the radiation emitted by the radiator can be at least 1 kW / m². 2 2kW / m 2 3kW / m 2 4kW / m 2 5kW / m 2 6kW / m 2 7kW / m 2 8kW / m 2 9kW / m 2 10kW / m 2 20kW / m 2 30kW / m 2 40kW / m 2 50kW / m 2 60kW / m 2 70kW / m 2 80kW / m 2 90kW / m 2 100kW / m 2 120kW / m 2 140kW / m 2 160kW / m 2 180kW / m 2 200kW / m 2 220kW / m 2 240kW / m 2 260kW / m 2 280kW / m 2 300kW / m 2 350kW / m 2 400kW / m 2 450kW / m 2 500kW / m 2 Or higher.

[0054] An object radiates heat in the infrared to visible wavelength range. This heat transfer is called blackbody radiation. Blackbody radiation can be used as an infrared source. Blackbody radiation is broadband radiation. The center wavelength and spectral bandwidth decrease with increasing temperature. The total energy is related to S × T. 4The values ​​are proportional, where S represents the surface area and T represents the temperature. To achieve higher infrared emissivity, it is necessary to increase the temperature. The temperature of the radiator 1031 can be at least 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2000 degrees Celsius (°C). In an exemplary example, the temperature of the radiator can be from 900 to 1500 degrees Celsius. The center wavelength or wavelength range of the radiation emitted by the radiator can be tunable, for example, at least tunable to 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 μm. The power density of radiation emitted from the radiation emitter can be adjusted in different operating modes of the hair dryer (e.g., quick drying mode, hair health mode, etc.), for example, by changing the voltage and / or current supplied to the hair dryer.

[0055] Reflector 1032 can be configured to modulate radiation emitted from the radiator. For example, the reflector can be shaped to reduce the divergence angle of the reflected radiation beam. In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, reflector 1032 can have a generally conical shape. For example, the cross-section of the reflective surface of the reflector can be parabolic. Radiation emitter 1031 can be placed at the focus of the parabola, such that the reflected radiation beam is a generally parallel radiation beam. The radiation emitter can also be placed off-center from the focus of the parabola, such that the reflected radiation beam can converge or diverge at a certain distance in front of the hair dryer. The position of radiation emitter 1031 in reflector 1032 can be adjusted, thus changing the convergence and / or direction of the output radiation beam. The shapes of the reflector and the radiation emitter can be optimized and varied relative to each other to output the desired heating power at a desired location outside the hair dryer.

[0056] The reflective surface of the reflector can be coated with a coating material that has high reflectivity to wavelengths or wavelength ranges of radiation emitted by the radiating emitter. For example, the coating material can have high reflectivity to wavelengths in both the visible and infrared spectra. Materials with high reflectivity can be highly efficient in reflecting radiant energy. Examples of coating materials can include metallic and dielectric materials. Metallic materials can include, for example, gold, silver, and aluminum. Dielectric coatings can have alternating layers of dielectric materials, such as magnesium fluoride and calcium fluoride. The reflectivity of the coated reflective surface of the reflector can be at least 90% (e.g., 90% of the incident radiation is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector), 90.5%, 91%, 91.5%, 92%, 92.5%, 93%, 93.5%, 94%, 94.5%, 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or higher. In some instances, the reflectivity of the coated reflective surface of the reflector can be approximately 100%, meaning that virtually all radiation emitted by the radiating emitter can be reflected towards the outside of the dryer. Therefore, even if the temperature of the radiating emitter is high, the temperature on the reflector surface will not substantially increase due to the radiation emitted from the radiating emitter.

[0057] An optical element 1033 may be disposed at the opening of the reflector. The optical element may be hermetically abutting against the opening of the reflector. The optical element may include a lens that modulates or redirects light, a reflector, a prism, a grating, a beam splitter, a filter, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the optical element may be a lens. In some embodiments, the optical element may be a Fresnel lens.

[0058] The interior of the reflector can be configured to have a degree of vacuum. The pressure inside the reflector can be less than 0.9 atm, 0.8 atm, 0.7 atm, 0.6 atm, 0.5 atm, 0.4 atm, 0.3 atm, 0.2 atm, 0.1 atm, 0.05 atm, 0.01 atm, 0.001 atm, or 0.0001 atm or less. In one exemplary example, the pressure inside the reflector can be approximately 0.001 atm or less. Vacuum can suppress evaporation and / or oxidation of the radiator 1031 and extend the lifespan of the infrared lamp. Vacuum also prevents heat convection or heat conduction between the radiator and the optical elements and / or the reflector. In some instances, the interior of the reflector can be filled with a certain amount of non-oxidizing gas while still maintaining a certain level of vacuum to reduce the temperature rise of the air inside the space formed by the inner surfaces of the coated reflector and optical elements. This temperature rise, though small, is caused by heat convection and conduction. Examples of non-oxidizing gases can include nitrogen (N2), helium (He), argon (Ar), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), radon (Rn), and nitrogen (N2). The presence of an inert gas can further protect the materials of the radiation emitter from oxidation and evaporation.

[0059] Optical elements can be made of materials with high infrared transmittance. Examples of materials used for optical elements can include oxides (e.g., silicon dioxide), metal fluorides (e.g., calcium fluoride, barium fluoride), metal sulfides or metal selenides (e.g., zinc sulfide, zinc selenide), and crystals (e.g., crystalline silicon, crystalline germanium). Additionally or alternatively, one or both sides of the optical element can be coated with a material that absorbs both the visible and ultraviolet spectra, such that only wavelengths in the infrared range can pass through the optical element. The optical element can filter out (e.g., absorb) radiation that is not in the infrared spectrum. The infrared transmittance of the optical element can be at least 95% (e.g., 95% of the incident radiation in the infrared spectrum passes through the optical element), 95.5%, 96.0%, 96.5%, 97.0%, 97.5%, 98.0%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or higher. In one exemplary example, the infrared transmittance of the optical element can be 99%.

[0060] Optical elements can filter (e.g., absorb) radiation of specific wavelengths or within a preset wavelength range from radiation reflected by a reflector. For example, optical elements can selectively remove visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from arriving radiation, so that only radiation in the infrared spectrum can be directed to the user's hair. In an exemplary example, a radiation emitter can emit radiation with wavelengths from 0.4 μm to 20 μm, a reflector can reflect all radiation toward the optical element (e.g., no radiation is absorbed at the reflective surface), and the optical element can filter out any visible spectral wavelengths between 0.4 μm and 0.7 μm from the reflected radiation, thereby causing only radiation in the infrared spectrum to exit the infrared lamp.

[0061] Optical elements can be shaped to converge or diverge arriving radiation in a predetermined direction, or to reduce the divergence angle of the arriving radiation beam. Optical elements can be convex lenses, concave lenses, a set of convex and / or concave lenses, or Fresnel lenses. For example, if a conductive resistor, ceramic heater, or LED is used as the radiation emitter, the optical element can be configured to converge reflected radiation in a predetermined direction at a predetermined convergence angle to form a radiation spot with a predetermined shape and size at a predetermined distance in front of the hair dryer. For example, if a laser device is used as the radiation emitter, the optical element can be configured to diverge the generated radiation beam in a predetermined direction at a predetermined divergence angle to increase the area of ​​the user's hair radiated by infrared radiation.

[0062] The temperature rise at the optical element may be very small. The visible and ultraviolet spectra in the radiation emitted by the radiator 1031 can be low. Depending on the material of the radiator 1031, the energy carried by the radiation in the visible and ultraviolet spectra may account for less than 5%, 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, 2.5%, 2%, 1.5%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, or 0.1% of the total energy in the radiation emitted by the radiator 1031 (e.g., the energy carried by the radiation in the visible and ultraviolet spectra) can be absorbed by the optical element to cause a temperature rise. The temperature rise at the optical element can be further suppressed by a vacuum inside the reflector (e.g., the space surrounded by the optical element and the reflective surface of the reflector), which prevents thermal convection or conduction between the radiator and the optical element. In some instances, a portion of the airflow can be introduced from the airflow channel onto the outer surface of the optical element (e.g., blowing across the optical element), allowing the temperature of the optical element and its surrounding area to remain substantially constant during infrared lamp operation. Therefore, even if the temperature of the radiating emitter is high, the temperature rise of the optical element may be minimal.

[0063] Thermal insulation material (e.g., fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polyurethane foam, or polystyrene) can be inserted between the radiator and the reflector to insulate them from heat. Even if the radiator's temperature is high, the thermal insulation can prevent the reflector's temperature from increasing. Alternatively, thermal insulation material can be inserted between the periphery of the optical element and the reflector to insulate them from heat.

[0064] As described above, even when the radiator is powered, the temperature on the outer surface of the reflector is substantially not increased by the radiation generated by the radiator. This suppression of temperature rise on the outer surface of the reflector can be achieved by: high reflectivity of the coating on the reflective surface of the reflector, a vacuum inside the reflector, high infrared transmittance of the optical elements, thermal insulation between the radiator and the reflector, and between the optical elements and the reflector, or combinations thereof. Therefore, as the airflow passes through the airflow channel and leaves the dryer, the airflow is substantially not heated by the infrared lamp. The temperature rise of the airflow caused by the infrared lamp can be less than 5 degrees Celsius (°C), 4.5°C, 4.0°C, 3.5°C, 3.0°C, 2.5°C, 2.0°C, 1.5°C, 1.0°C, 0.5°C, 0.1°C, or lower. In an exemplary example, the temperature rise of the airflow caused by the infrared lamp can be less than 3°C. In other words, the radiation generated at the infrared lamp does not substantially cause a temperature rise in the airflow.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that the temperature of the airflow is inevitably increased to some extent by the electrical components (e.g., circuits, wires, power leads, power adapters, and controllers) in the hair dryer. For example, the temperature increase of the airflow passing through the entire airflow channel may not exceed 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14.5°C, 14.0°C, 13.5°C, 13.0°C, 12.5°C, 12.0°C, 11.5°C, 11.0°C, 10.5°C, 10.0°C, 9.5°C, 9.0°C, 8.5°C, 8.0°C, 7.5°C, 7.0°C, 6.5°C, 6.0°C, 5.5°C, 5.0°C, or lower. In one exemplary example, the room temperature is 25°C, and the temperature increase of the airflow passing through the entire airflow channel of the hair dryer of this disclosure is at most 15°C, resulting in a maximum airflow temperature of 40°C at the airflow outlet, which is significantly lower than the airflow temperature blown out by conventional hot air-based hair dryers. In the comparison example, from the traditional Dyson No. 1 hair dryer... @ The airflow temperature from the HD01 is approximately 140°C. In another comparative example, the airflow from a conventional No. 2 hair dryer (Panasonic) is... @The airflow temperature from the EH-JNA9C is approximately 105°C. In a comparative example, if the power supply to the nichrome wire heater is cut off, the airflow temperature from a conventional No. 1 hair dryer is approximately 36°C at a room temperature of 27°C (e.g., other electronic components, besides the nichrome wire heater, heat the airflow by approximately 9°C).

[0066] Because heat dissipates into the air, the airflow temperature reaching the user's hair can be lower than the temperature measured at the airflow outlet of the hair dryer. In an exemplary example, with a room temperature of 25°C and an airflow temperature of approximately 40°C at the airflow outlet, the airflow temperature 10 cm in front of the airflow outlet of the hair dryer disclosed herein is approximately 28°C. In a comparative example, with a room temperature of 25°C and an airflow temperature of approximately 140°C at the airflow outlet, the airflow temperature 10 cm in front of the airflow outlet of a conventional No. 1 hair dryer is approximately 74.4°C.

[0067] A relatively cool airflow (e.g., airflow at room temperature) can be beneficial for drying and styling a user's hair. For example, it can prevent hair from becoming frizzy, dry, and damaged, which can occur with hot airflow in conventional hair dryers. Another benefit of cool airflow is that the hair dryer can be equipped with various sensors that cannot operate at high temperatures. These sensors can include temperature sensors, proximity / range sensors, and / or humidity sensors. The sensors can be placed, for example, on the airflow outlet side of the housing to monitor the user's hair condition (e.g., humidity). The area where the airflow is applied to the hair can generally encompass the infrared radiation area on the hair (e.g., radiation spots). The airflow can accelerate the evaporation of hot water from the hair by blowing away the humid air surrounding it. The airflow can also lower the temperature of the hair radiated by infrared radiation to prevent hair damage. The temperature of the hair and the water on it must be maintained within an appropriate range to accelerate water evaporation while preventing the hair from overheating. An appropriate temperature range could be 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. The speed of the airflow applied to the hair can be adjusted to maintain the hair temperature within the appropriate range, for example, by blowing away hot water and excess heat. Proximity / range sensors and temperature sensors can work together to determine the temperature of the hair and control the airflow speed via a feedback loop to maintain a constant or programmed temperature for the hair.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing another exemplary hair dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 It shows Figure 6An enlarged cross-sectional view of the body of a hair dryer. The hair dryer may be powered by an external power source and / or an embedded battery. The hair dryer may include a housing 601. The housing may include a body and a handle. An airflow generating element 602, a radiation source 603, and various other electrical and mechanical components may be housed within the housing. The radiation source 603 may be configured to generate heat and direct it to the user's hair. The airflow generating element 602 may be configured to generate airflow through airflow channels disposed within the housing.

[0069] The airflow generating element 602 may include an impeller 6021 driven by a motor 6022. The generated airflow can be propelled through the airflow passage 607 to the outside of the hair dryer. The radiation source 603 may be an infrared lamp with a generally annular shape. Figure 8 As schematically shown, the annular radiation source 603 may include a generally annular reflector 6032 and a generally annular radiation emitter 6031 located inside the reflector. The radiation emitter may be a filament having a generally annular shape. The radiation emitter 6031 may also include multiple segments that together form the generally annular shape. The radiation emitter may be configured to emit radiation within a preset wavelength range. In some instances, the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter may substantially cover the visible and infrared spectra. The reflector 6032 may have an opening facing the exterior of the hair dryer.

[0070] The reflective surface (e.g., the inner surface) of reflector 6032 can reflect radiation emitted from the radiator toward the user's hair. The divergence angle of the reflected radiation beam can be reduced by the reflective surface to concentrate the reflected radiation energy into a radiation spot of a preset shape and size at a preset distance in front of the hair dryer. The cross-section of the reflective surface of the reflector can be parabolic. The radiator 6031 can be placed at the focal point of the parabolic reflective surface (e.g., a parabola) or offset from the focal point of the parabola. The position of the radiator within the reflector can be adjusted by moving the radiator relative to the reflector. The reflective surface of the reflector can be coated with a coating material that has a high reflectivity for the wavelength range of radiation emitted by the radiator, such that substantially all radiation emitted by the radiator can be reflected toward the user's hair. Therefore, since substantially no energy is absorbed by the reflective surface of the reflector, the temperature on the outer surface of the reflector is substantially not increased by radiation from the radiator.

[0071] A generally annular optical element 6033 can be positioned at the opening of the reflector. The optical element can remove (e.g., absorb) radiation within a predetermined wavelength range from the radiation reflected by the reflector. For example, the optical element can selectively remove the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the reflected radiation so that only radiation in the infrared spectrum is directed to the user's hair. The interior of the reflector can be configured to have a degree of vacuum to prevent heat convection or conduction between the radiation emitter and the optical element and / or the reflector. In some instances, the interior of the reflector can be filled with a certain amount of inert gas to prevent oxidation and / or evaporation of the radiation emitter. As described above, the infrared lamps do not substantially increase the temperature of the airflow as it passes through the airflow channel, and the relatively cool airflow may be beneficial in drying and styling the user's hair.

[0072] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, due to the annular infrared lamp construction, the axial displacement of the housing can be further reduced (e.g., in...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The dimensions are shown in the horizontal direction (from the airflow generating element to the opening of the infrared lamp). For example, at least a portion of the airflow generating element may be received in the space surrounded by the annular infrared lamp, resulting in an airflow channel that is shortened in the axial direction. The chamber 611 may be located within the space surrounded by the infrared lamp. The opening of the chamber may face the user's hair. The opening may be covered by a transparent sealing member (e.g., SiO2 glass). For aesthetic purposes, the opening may be covered by a colored sealing member (e.g., coated SiO2 glass). The chamber may be configured to accommodate various components (e.g., sensors). Examples of sensors may include temperature sensors, proximity / range sensors, and humidity sensors. The walls of the chamber may be made of electrically insulating and / or thermally insulating materials. As described above, since the airflow flowing through the airflow channel is substantially not heated by the infrared lamp, the temperature inside the chamber can be maintained at room temperature to improve the measurement accuracy of the sensors.

[0073] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the exemplary example shown, the air outlet of the airflow channel 607 can be placed between the infrared lamp 603 and the chamber 611. Figure 9 It shows Figure 6 and Figure 7 A side view of a hair dryer, wherein the chamber is centrally located, and the airflow exiting the airflow channel 607 is surrounded by an infrared lamp 603. Although not shown, in an alternative embodiment, the airflow outlet of the airflow channel 607 may be located between the housing 601 and the infrared lamp 603 to form a configuration in which the infrared lamp is surrounded by the airflow exiting the airflow channel.

[0074] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The radiation energy source 603 may alternatively or additionally include multiple infrared lamps. The multiple infrared lamps may be arranged along the contour of any geometric shape, such as a ring, triangle, square, or sector. Figure 10 and Figure 11 A radiation energy source 603 having a plurality of infrared lamps arranged along a ring is schematically shown. Each of the plurality of infrared lamps may have the same characteristics as described above. Figure 3 The construction is substantially the same. For example, each of a plurality of infrared lamps may include a reflector 6032 having an opening facing the exterior of the hair dryer, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter 6031 located inside the reflector. The reflective surface of the reflector may be coated with a coating material having high reflectivity for the wavelength range of radiation generated by the radiation emitter. The optical element may remove radiation of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range, such as radiation in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra.

[0075] The cross-section of the reflective surface of each reflector can be parabolic. A parabolic reflector for each infrared lamp can reduce the divergence angle of the reflected radiation beam. Optical simulation software can be used to optimize the shape of the radiator and the reflector to maximize the radiation output at a desired distance outside the generator. The axes of the corresponding parabolic reflective surfaces in multiple reflectors can be approximately parallel to each other. The axis of the parabola can refer to the axis of symmetry of the parabola, which is a vertical line passing through the vertex of the parabola and dividing it into two equal halves. Figure 11 Combination Figure 12 As shown, the axes of the respective parabolic reflective surfaces of the reflectors in the multiple infrared lamps can also intersect each other. The angle of intersection between the axes of the respective parabolic reflective surfaces of the reflectors in the multiple infrared lamps can be adjusted, for example, by changing the tilt angle of one or more infrared lamps relative to the axial direction of the dryer housing. In the exemplary example shown, the airflow can be thermally insulated from the multiple infrared lamps. The radiation generated by the infrared lamps does not heat the airflow.

[0076] Infrared radiation from multiple infrared lamps can at least partially overlap at a predetermined distance in front of the hair dryer, allowing the formation of a radiation spot with a predetermined shape and size. The radiation spot can have, for example, a circular shape. In an exemplary example, a circular spot with a diameter of approximately 10 cm can be formed at a distance of approximately 10 cm in front of the hair dryer. The shape and / or size of the radiation spot located at a certain distance in front of the hair dryer can be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the following: the size (e.g., diameter) of the respective infrared lamp, the offset of the focal point of the radiator and the respective reflector, the intersection angle between the axes of the respective reflectors, and the optical characteristics of the optical elements of the respective infrared lamp. The radiation spot can receive at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more of the total energy carried by the infrared radiation emitted from each of the multiple infrared lamps. The average power density of the radiation spot can be at least 1 x 10⁻⁶. 3 2x10 3 3x10 3 4x10 3 5x10 3 6x10 3 7x10 3 8x10 3 9x10 3 1x10 4 2x10 4 3x10 4 4x10 4 5x10 4 6x10 4 7x10 4 8x10 4 9x10 4 1x10 5 Watts per square meter (W / m) 2 (or higher).

[0077] Although not shown, multiple infrared lamps can be arranged in an array of any shape. The arrayed infrared lamps may or may not be coplanar. For example, the multiple infrared lamps can also be arranged to cover an area with any geometry (e.g., circular, triangular, square, or sector-shaped). The offset of the radiator from the focal point of the corresponding reflector and the angle of intersection between the axes of the corresponding reflectors in the array of infrared lamps can have the same characteristics as referenced above. Figure 10 and Figure 11The construction described is largely the same. For example, the infrared radiation emitted from each infrared lamp in an array can overlap at a predetermined distance in front of the hair dryer to form a radiation spot with a desired size and power density. The multiple infrared lamps arranged in a ring or array do not necessarily need to be placed consecutively. For example, any of the multiple infrared lamps shown can be replaced with a sensor or other component, or some positions along the ring or array can be left empty, as long as a radiation spot with a desired average energy density is generated at the hair.

[0078] Multiple infrared lamps can be located inside or outside the annular airflow outlet of the airflow channel. For example, when viewed from the side of the hair dryer, the multiple infrared lamps can be positioned to surround or be surrounded by the airflow outlet. The multiple infrared lamps can also be positioned separately from the airflow outlet of the airflow channel. For example, when viewed from the side of the hair dryer, the area covered by the multiple infrared lamps may not overlap with the area covered by the airflow outlet. A chamber can be provided, for example, in the space surrounded by the infrared lamps. A transparent sealing member can cover the opening of the chamber, which faces the outside of the hair dryer. The chamber can be configured to receive various components, such as sensors. Since the airflow through the airflow channel is essentially not heated by the infrared lamps, the temperature of the chamber can be maintained at room temperature to improve the measurement accuracy of the sensors.

[0079] Compared to conventional designs, the hair dryer of this disclosure can at least in the axial direction (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 6 The dimensions in the horizontal direction (as shown) are reduced. In one example, an infrared lamp with a compact size can be used as the radiation source. Therefore, the conventional heater cavity for receiving the nickel-chromium alloy wire grid is not provided in the hair dryer of this disclosure. As described above, by utilizing annular infrared lamps or multiple infrared lamps arranged along an annular shape, the dimensions of the hair dryer in the axial direction can be further reduced. The hair dryer may include a housing having a body and a handle. The body has a reduced dimension in at least one direction (e.g., the axial direction) and a radial direction (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal direction). Figure 1 and Figure 6The dimensions of the body in the plane direction may not exceed 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4 centimeters. In one exemplary example, the dimensions of the body in at least one direction may not exceed 10 centimeters. In another exemplary example, the dimensions of the body in at least one direction may not exceed 8 centimeters. In another exemplary example, the dimensions of the body in at least one direction may not exceed 6.5 centimeters. The dimensions of the body in any direction may not exceed 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 centimeters. In an exemplary example, the dimensions of the body in any direction may not exceed 8 centimeters. In another exemplary example, the dimensions of the body in any direction may not exceed 6.5 centimeters.

[0080] The hair dryer disclosed herein can have a reduced weight. A lightweight radiant energy source can be used instead of conventional heavy-duty nickel-chromium alloy wires or rods as the heat source. The hair dryer may include a housing having a body and a handle. The hair dryer can be operated by one or more batteries or an external power source received within the handle. The handle is detachable from the body of the housing. The weight of a hair dryer including one or more batteries does not exceed 1500, 1450, 1400, 1350, 1300, 1250, 1200, 1150, 1100, 1050, 1000, 950, 900, 850, 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, or 300 grams. In one exemplary example, the weight of a hair dryer including one or more batteries may not exceed 800 grams. In one exemplary example, the weight of a hair dryer including one or more batteries may not exceed 600 grams. In another exemplary example, the weight of the hair dryer body (excluding the handle) may not exceed 300 grams. In yet another exemplary example, the weight of the hair dryer body (excluding the handle) may not exceed 250 grams. Therefore, the user can easily hold and operate the hair dryer during the hair drying process.

[0081] The hair dryer disclosed herein can have reduced power consumption. In the hair dryer of this disclosure, a radiant energy source such as an infrared lamp can be used as a heat energy source. As previously mentioned, since most of the radiation generated by the infrared lamp is in the infrared spectrum, the proportion of effective energy transferred to the user's hair and the water on the hair from the total radiant energy generated by the infrared lamp can be at least 80%. Furthermore, the heat carried by the infrared energy can be directly transferred and applied to the hair and the water on the hair via radiative heat transfer, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. In an exemplary example, approximately 90% of the radiation generated by the infrared lamp is in the infrared spectrum. A small portion of the infrared energy may be lost at reflectors and optical elements, while most of the infrared energy reaches the user's hair as thermal radiation, thus the proportion of effective energy exceeds 80%. However, in conventional nichrome-based hair dryers using convective heat transfer, the proportion of effective energy and heat transfer efficiency is much lower because most of the heat is absorbed by the surrounding air before reaching the user's hair. In conventional No. 1 hair dryers (Dyson...) @ In tests conducted using HD01, the air temperature at the air outlet was approximately 140°C. However, at a distance of 10 cm from the hair dryer, the air temperature dropped to 74°C, and at a distance of 20 cm, it dropped to 60°C. This rapid drop in air temperature during convective heat transfer is due to the fact that some heat is absorbed by the surrounding air before reaching the hair. If the room temperature is 25°C, at least 50% of the energy carried by the hot airflow will be lost before reaching the hair. Upon reaching the hair, some of the hot air is reflected in various directions instead of contributing to heating the hair or the water on it, resulting in a low ratio of effective energy and low heat transfer efficiency.

[0082] In one exemplary example, the hair dryer of this disclosure can be operated by one or more embedded batteries. The total capacity of the batteries is at least 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 watt-hours (Wh; for example, a 100-watt-hour battery can output 100 watts of power for 1 hour or 20 watts of power for 5 hours). In testing experiments, a battery with a total capacity of 66.6 Wh can sustain continuous operation of the hair dryer for approximately 20 minutes at a total power output (e.g., the total power output of all power-consuming components, including the motor, infrared lamp, and any circuitry) or for approximately 13 minutes at a total power output of 350 Wh, a duration sufficient to completely dry the user's hair.

[0083] The hair dryer disclosed herein can provide a powerful airflow that accelerates the evaporation of water from the hair. Compared to conventional hair dryers based on nichrome wires, the airflow generated by the airflow generating element can travel along the airflow channel without passing through the grid of the nichrome wires, thus not slowing down, thereby increasing the blowing speed of the airflow from the hair dryer. The output airflow speed can be at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 m / s. In an exemplary example, the output airflow speed can be at least 18 m / s. The airflow blowing onto the hair can lower the temperature of the hair and the moisture on the hair by removing excess heat; otherwise, the hair would be damaged by the high temperature caused by infrared radiation. As mentioned above, the evaporation of water from the hair can depend on the temperature of the hair and the water on the hair, as well as the relative humidity of the air surrounding the hair. The suitable temperature range for drying hair is 50 to 60 degrees Celsius, within which a balance between moisture evaporation and hair health can be achieved. The speed of the airflow blowing onto the hair can be adjusted to keep the temperature of the hair and the water on it within an appropriate range to induce evaporation. At the same time, the airflow carries away excess heat from the hair, creating a localized environment with lower relative humidity around the hair, thereby accelerating evaporation.

[0084] As mentioned above, the temperature of the airflow is not significantly increased by the radiation generated at the infrared lamps when passing through the airflow channel. The relatively cool airflow can be beneficial to hair health when drying and styling the user's hair. Furthermore, the hair dryer can be equipped with various sensors that would otherwise be unable to operate at high temperatures.

[0085] Although the apparatus for drying objects of this disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings showing a hair dryer, those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus for drying objects is not limited to a hair dryer, but can be used as long as a radiant energy source (e.g., one or more infrared lamps) is used as a heat energy source. In some embodiments, the apparatus for drying objects of this disclosure can be implemented as a clothes dryer or hand dryer. The clothes dryer may utilize one or more infrared lamps as a heat source associated with an airflow generating element to promote the evaporation of water from various fabrics such as clothes, sheets, curtains, and plush toys. The housing of the clothes dryer may include a support or stand. The height of the support or stand may be adjustable.

[0086] Example

[0087] Example 1

[0088] In this exemplary example, the hair dryer's housing includes a body and a handle. One or more rechargeable batteries are housed in the handle to power the hair dryer. An airflow generating element (e.g., an impeller driven by a motor) and a single ring-shaped infrared lamp are housed within the body. The infrared lamp has a ring-shaped parabolic reflective surface. A ring-shaped radiator is disposed within the infrared lamp as an infrared radiation source. The infrared lamp surrounds an airflow channel. The airflow velocity from the airflow channel is approximately 12 m / s. A circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 cm is formed at a distance of 10 cm in front of the hair dryer. The motor consumes 50 W.

[0089] The hair dryer for this example was tested using a wig made of human hair. A wig weighing 135 grams (e.g., completely dry) was placed on a 1012-gram mannequin head. The total weight of the mannequin head and the dry wig was 1147 grams. The wig was then evenly moistened with water, and the total weight of the mannequin head and the dry wig was 1233 grams (e.g., 86 grams of water were added).

[0090] The damp wig was then dried using the hair dryer described in this example. Testing showed that the radiation energy density within a circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 cm on the wig was 17000 W / m². 2 In this test, the radiant energy density was measured using a device comprising a radiation-absorbing material with a known specific heat capacity. This device measures the temperature rise within the area. Assuming the area of ​​the radiation spot is A, the mass of the radiation-absorbing material is M, the specific heat capacity of the radiation-absorbing material is C, and the temperature of the radiation-absorbing material rises by ΔT over a time period S, the radiant energy density of the radiation spot is (M×C×ΔT) / (S×A). Therefore, the total power within the circular radiation spot is 160 watts (W). The motor driving the impeller has an output power of 50W, causing the airflow to reach the wig at a speed of 9 m / s. It takes 11 minutes and 51 seconds to remove all moisture from the wig (e.g., the total weight of the mannequin head and the dried wig is restored to 1147 grams). Therefore, the total power consumed in drying the hair is approximately 210W.

[0091] Example 2

[0092] In this exemplary example, the hair dryer's housing includes a body and a handle. The body of the housing is cylindrical in shape with a diameter of 8 cm and a length of 7 cm. An airflow generating element (e.g., an impeller driven by a motor) and seven infrared lamps arranged in a ring are disposed within the body. Each infrared lamp includes a reflector configured to direct a radiation beam to its opening, a ceramic heater configured to emit radiation and reach a temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius, and a lens configured to absorb radiation in the visible spectrum. Each infrared lamp has a power of 40 W, therefore the total radiant power of the seven infrared lamps is 280 W. The motor consumes 50 W. The airflow velocity at the outlet is approximately 12 m / s. A circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 cm is formed at a distance of 10 cm in front of the hair dryer.

[0093] Tests showed that the radiation energy density within a circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 centimeters was 25324 W / m². 2 Compared to Example 1, the radiation energy density increased by more than approximately 49%. Of the total radiation energy emitted from the infrared lamps, approximately 71% is concentrated within the circular radiation spot. This increase in radiation energy density is due to the fact that more radiation energy emitted by the seven infrared lamps overlaps at the circular radiation spot. Compared to Example 1, the increased radiation energy density resulted in a reduction in the time spent drying hair and the total work required.

[0094] Example 3

[0095] In this exemplary example, the hair dryer's housing includes a body and a handle. An airflow generating element (e.g., an impeller driven by a motor) and a single infrared lamp are received within the body. The infrared lamp is positioned downstream of the airflow generating element along an airflow channel, a portion of which is formed between the outer surface of the infrared lamp and the inner surface of the body. An annular airflow outlet is formed at the infrared radiating end of the hair dryer. The infrared lamp includes a reflector configured to guide a radiation beam through its opening, a ceramic heater configured to emit radiation and capable of reaching 1200 degrees Celsius, and a lens configured to absorb radiation in the visible spectrum. This lens is a convex lens with a curvature of 0.0165. The opening diameter of the infrared lamp is 5.7 cm. The power of the infrared lamp is 200 W. The power consumption of the motor is 50 W. The airflow velocity at the outlet can be at least 12 m / s. A circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 cm is formed at a distance of 10 cm in front of the hair dryer.

[0096] Tests showed that the radiation energy density within a circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 centimeters was 23184 W / m². 2Compared to Example 1, its radiation energy density increased by approximately 36%. Of the total radiation energy emitted by the infrared lamp, approximately 91% is located within the circular radiation spot. This increase in radiation energy density is due to the fact that more radiation energy emitted by the infrared lamp is located within the circular radiation spot. Compared to Example 1, the increased radiation energy density reduces the time spent drying hair and the total work consumed.

[0097] Comparison Example 1

[0098] Using the same wig as in Example 1, and a conventional #1 hair dryer (Dyson) @ HD01 was used to test the comparative example hair dryer. The conventional No. 1 hair dryer has a total power of 1600 watts, with the motor consuming approximately 120W and the resistance heater approximately 1480W. It takes 9 minutes to remove all moisture from the wig (e.g., the mannequin head and the total weight of the dried wig are restored to 1147 grams). Therefore, the total power consumed is approximately 1600W.

[0099] Figure 13 An example of a device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device control system can be programmed to implement the methods and apparatus of this disclosure.

[0100] The device control system 1301 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also referred to herein as a “processor” and “computer processor”) 1305, which may be a single-core or multi-core processor; or include multiple processors for parallel processing. The device control system 1301 also includes a memory or storage location 1310 (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), an electronic storage unit 1315 (e.g., a hard disk), a communication interface 1320 (e.g., a network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1325 (e.g., cache, other memory, data storage, and / or electronic display adapters). The memory 1310, storage unit 1315, interface 1320, and peripheral devices 1325 communicate with the CPU 1305 via a communication bus (solid line), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 1315 may be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The device control system 1301 may be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 1330 by means of the communication interface 1320. Network 1330 may be the Internet, an intranet and / or an extranet, or an intranet and / or an extranet that communicates with the Internet.

[0101] In some cases, network 1330 is a telecommunications and / or data network. Network 1330 may include one or more computer servers that can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. For example, one or more computer servers may enable cloud computing (“the cloud”) on network 1330 to perform various aspects of the analysis, computation, and output of this disclosure, such as capturing the configuration of one or more experimental environments; performing usage analysis of products (e.g., applications); and providing project statistics output. Such cloud computing may be provided by cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and IBM Cloud. In some cases, network 1330 may implement a peer-to-peer network via device control system 1301, which may enable devices coupled to device control system 1301 to act as clients or servers.

[0102] CPU 1305 can execute a series of machine-readable instructions, which can be implemented in a program or software. The instructions can be stored in a memory location such as memory 1310. The instructions can be directed to CPU 1305, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure CPU 1305 to implement the methods of this disclosure. Examples of operations performed by CPU 1305 may include fetching, decoding, executing, and writing back.

[0103] CPU 1305 may be part of a circuit (such as an integrated circuit). One or more other components of system 1301 may be contained within the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0104] Storage unit 1315 may store files (e.g., drives, libraries, and saved programs). Storage unit 1315 may store user preference data, such as user preferences and user programs. In some cases, device control system 1301 may include one or more additional data storage units located outside device control system 1301, such as on a remote server that communicates with device control system 1301 via an intranet or the Internet.

[0105] The device control system 1301 can communicate with one or more remote device control systems via network 1330. For example, the device control system 1301 can communicate with a user's remote device control system (e.g., a user in an experimental environment). Examples of remote device control systems include personal computers (such as portable PCs), tablet computers (e.g.,... iPad Galaxy Tab), telephone, smartphone (e.g.) iPhone, Android-enabled devices (or personal digital assistant). Users can access the device control system 1301 via network 1330.

[0106] The methods described in this disclosure can be implemented by machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored in an electronic storage location on the device control system 1301 (e.g., in memory 1310 or electronic storage unit 1315). The machine executable code or machine readable code can be provided in software form. During use, the code can be executed by processor 1305. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from storage unit 1315 and stored in memory 1310 for access by processor 1305 at any time. In some cases, electronic storage unit 1315 can be excluded, and machine executable instructions are stored in memory 1310.

[0107] The code can be pre-compiled and configured to work with a machine that has a processor adapted to execute the code, or it can be compiled at runtime. The code can be provided in a programming language, and the programming language can be chosen to enable the code to execute in either a pre-compiled or runtime-compiled manner.

[0108] Various aspects of the systems and methods provided herein (such as device control system 1301) can be implemented in programming. These aspects of the technology can be considered as "products" or "manufactured articles" typically implemented or running in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and / or associated data on a machine-readable medium. The machine-executable code can be stored on electronic storage units, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory) or hard disks. "Storage" type media can include any or all tangible memory of computers, processors, etc., or modules associated with computers, processors, etc., such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc., which can provide non-temporary storage for software programming at any time. All or part of the software can sometimes be communicated via the Internet or other various telecommunications networks. For example, such communication may allow software to be loaded from one computer or processor to another, for example, from a management server or host computer to a computer platform for an application server. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes optical, electrical, and electromagnetic waves, for example, through physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and fiber optic terrestrial networks, and through various air links. Physical components carrying such waves (such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc.) can also be considered as media carrying the software. As described herein, unless limited to non-transitory tangible "storage" media, terms such as "readable medium" for computers or machines refer to any medium involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0109] Therefore, machine-readable media (such as computer-executable code) can take many forms, including but not limited to tangible storage media, carrier media, or physical transmission media. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, any storage device in any computer, such as those used to implement the database shown in the figure. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as the main memory of a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that form the bus within the device's control system. Carrier transmission media can take the form of electrical signals or electromagnetic signals or sound waves or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Therefore, common forms of computer-readable media include, for example: floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs or DVD-ROMs, any other optical media, punched card tape, any other physical storage media with a perforated pattern, RAM, ROM, PROM and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chips or cassette tapes, carriers for transmitting data or instructions, cables or links for transmitting such carriers, or any other media from which a computer can read programming code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer-readable media may involve carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0110] The device control system 1301 may include or communicate with an electronic display 1335, which includes a user interface (UI) 1340 for providing various components of a model management system (e.g., a laboratory, launch pad, control center, knowledge center, etc.). Examples of UIs include, but are not limited to, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and web-based user interfaces. The electronic display may be a display of a user device such as a smartphone.

[0111] The methods and apparatus of this disclosure can be implemented using one or more algorithms. The algorithms can be implemented in software when executed by the central processing unit 1305. The algorithm can, for example, generate instructions to operate one or more components of the sample transfer system.

[0112] It should be understood from the foregoing that, although specific embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications can be made thereto and are conceived herein. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific examples provided in the specification. Although the invention has been described with reference to the disclosure, it is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense as to describe and illustrate the preferred embodiments herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific descriptions, constructions, or relative proportions set forth herein, and depend on various conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is contemplated that the invention will also cover any such modifications, variations, and equivalents.

[0113] Some exemplary aspects of this disclosure will be described below.

[0114] Aspect 1, a method for drying an object, the method comprising:

[0115] Infrared radiation is generated by a radiation energy source and directed onto the object; and

[0116] An airflow is generated using an airflow generating element and directed to the object, wherein the airflow is substantially not heated by the radiant energy source.

[0117] Aspect 2, as described in aspect 1, wherein the radiation energy source includes an infrared lamp.

[0118] Aspect 3, the method of aspect 2, wherein the infrared lamp includes a reflector having an opening toward the exterior of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0119] Aspect 4, as described in aspect 3, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally annular shape.

[0120] Aspect 5, as described in aspect 3, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally conical shape.

[0121] Aspect 6, as described in aspect 3, wherein the interior of the reflector has a certain degree of vacuum.

[0122] Aspect 7, the method as described in aspect 3, wherein the reflector adjusts the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0123] Aspect 8, the method as described in aspect 7, wherein the reflector reduces the divergence angle of the reflected infrared radiation.

[0124] Aspect 9, the method as described in aspect 3, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is coated with a coating material having high reflectivity to wavelengths generated by the radiating emitter.

[0125] Aspect 10, the method of aspect 3, wherein the optical element filters wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter.

[0126] Aspect 11, the method as described in aspect 3, wherein the optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a predetermined direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

[0127] Aspect 12, the method as described in aspect 1, wherein the radiation energy source comprises a plurality of infrared lamps.

[0128] Aspect 13, the method of aspect 12, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0129] Aspect 14, the method as described in aspect 12, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are arranged in a ring.

[0130] Aspect 15, the method as described in aspect 14, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet.

[0131] Aspect 16, the method as described in aspect 1, wherein the airflow is not heated by the infrared radiation generated by the radiation energy source.

[0132] Aspect 17, the method of aspect 1, further includes using at least one sensor disposed at the housing to sense at least one parameter of the object.

[0133] Aspect 18, the method of aspect 17, wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor or a humidity sensor.

[0134] Aspect 19, an apparatus for drying objects, said apparatus comprising:

[0135] A housing having a body and a handle, the body having a dimension of no more than 7 cm in at least one direction;

[0136] A radiation energy source, wherein the radiation energy source is housed within the housing and generates infrared radiation and directs the infrared radiation to the outside of the housing; and

[0137] A power source that provides power to at least the radiation energy source and the airflow generating element.

[0138] Aspect 20, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the radiation energy source includes an infrared lamp.

[0139] Aspect 21, the device as described in aspect 20, wherein the infrared lamp includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0140] Aspect 22, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally annular shape.

[0141] Aspect 23, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally conical shape.

[0142] Aspect 24, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the interior of the reflector has a certain degree of vacuum.

[0143] Aspect 25, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the reflector adjusts the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0144] Aspect 26, the device as described in aspect 25, wherein the reflector reduces the divergence angle of the reflected infrared radiation.

[0145] Aspect 27, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is coated with a coating material having high reflectivity to wavelengths generated by the radiating emitter.

[0146] Aspect 28, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the optical element filters wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter.

[0147] Aspect 29, the device as described in aspect 21, wherein the optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a predetermined direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

[0148] Aspect 30, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the radiant energy source comprises a plurality of infrared lamps.

[0149] Aspect 31, the device as described in aspect 30, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0150] Aspect 32, the device as described in aspect 30, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are arranged in a ring.

[0151] Aspect 33, the device as described in aspect 30, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet.

[0152] Aspect 34, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the airflow is not heated by the infrared radiation generated by the radiation energy source.

[0153] Aspect 35, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries, the one or more batteries being received within the housing.

[0154] Aspect 36, the device as described in aspect 35, wherein the one or more batteries are rechargeable and / or replaceable.

[0155] Aspect 37, the device as described in aspect 35, wherein the one or more batteries are at least partially received within the handle.

[0156] Aspect 38, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the handle is detachable from the body.

[0157] Aspect 39, the device as described in aspect 37, wherein the total capacity of the one or more batteries is 66.6 watt-hours (Wh).

[0158] Aspect 40, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the power supply includes a power adapter connected to the power supply via a wire.

[0159] Aspect 41, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the temperature rise of the airflow through the airflow channel caused by the radiant energy source does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius.

[0160] Aspect 42, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the weight of the device does not exceed 800 grams.

[0161] Aspect 43, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries received within the housing, the capacity of the one or more batteries being sufficient to sustain continuous operation of the device for more than 19 minutes at a total power of 200 watts and for approximately 13 minutes at a total power of 350 watts.

[0162] Aspect 44, the device as described in aspect 19, further includes an airflow generating element, which is housed in the housing and generates an airflow through an airflow passage defined in the housing, wherein the velocity of the airflow at the outlet of the airflow passage is at least 10 m / s.

[0163] Aspect 45, the device as described in aspect 44, wherein the velocity of the airflow at the outlet of the airflow channel is at least 12 m / s.

[0164] Aspect 46, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the average power density of the infrared radiation measured at 10 cm in front of the housing is at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts / square meter (W / m) 2 .

[0165] Aspect 47, the device as described in aspect 19, wherein the size of the body in any direction does not exceed 8 centimeters.

[0166] Aspect 48, an apparatus for drying objects, said apparatus comprising:

[0167] case;

[0168] A radiation energy source, wherein the radiation energy source is housed within the housing and generates infrared radiation and directs the infrared radiation to the outside of the housing; and

[0169] A power source, which provides power to at least the radiant energy source and the airflow generating element, wherein the power source includes one or more batteries, which are received within the housing.

[0170] The weight of the device shall not exceed 800 grams.

[0171] Aspect 49, the device as described in aspect 48, wherein the radiant energy source includes an infrared lamp.

[0172] Aspect 50, the device as described in aspect 49, wherein the infrared lamp includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0173] Aspect 51, the device as described in aspect 50, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally annular shape.

[0174] Aspect 52, the device as described in aspect 50, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally conical shape.

[0175] Aspect 53, the device as described in aspect 50, wherein the interior of the reflector has a certain degree of vacuum.

[0176] Aspect 54, the device as described in aspect 50, wherein the reflector adjusts the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0177] Aspect 55, the device as described in aspect 50, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is coated with a coating material having high reflectivity to wavelengths generated by the radiating emitter.

[0178] Aspect 56, the apparatus of aspect 50, wherein the optical element filters wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter.

[0179] Aspect 57, the device as described in aspect 50, wherein the optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a predetermined direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

[0180] Aspect 58, the device as described in aspect 48, wherein the radiant energy source comprises a plurality of infrared lamps.

[0181] Aspect 59, the device as described in aspect 58, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0182] Aspect 60, the device as described in aspect 58, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are arranged in a ring.

[0183] Aspect 61, the device as described in aspect 58, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet.

[0184] Aspect 62, the device as described in aspect 48, wherein the airflow is not heated by the infrared radiation generated by the radiation energy source.

[0185] Aspect 63, the device as described in aspect 48, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries, the one or more batteries being received within the housing.

[0186] Aspect 64, the device as described in aspect 63, wherein the housing includes a body and a handle, and wherein the one or more batteries are at least partially received within the handle.

[0187] Aspect 65, the device as described in aspect 64, wherein the handle is detachable from the body.

[0188] Aspect 66, the device as described in aspect 63, wherein the total capacity of the one or more batteries is 66.6 watt-hours (Wh).

[0189] Aspect 67, the device as described in aspect 63, wherein the capacity of the one or more batteries is sufficient to sustain continuous operation of the device for more than 19 minutes at a total power of 200 watts, and for approximately 13 minutes at a total power of 350 watts.

[0190] Aspect 68, the device as described in aspect 48, further includes an airflow generating element, which is housed in the housing and generates an airflow through an airflow passage defined in the housing, wherein the velocity of the airflow at the outlet of the airflow passage is at least 10 m / s.

[0191] Aspect 69, the device as described in aspect 48, wherein the average power density of the infrared radiation measured at a distance of 10 cm in front of the housing is at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts / square meter (W / m) 2 .

[0192] Aspect 70, the device as described in aspect 64, wherein the body has a dimension of no more than 7 centimeters in at least one direction.

[0193] Aspect 71, the device as described in aspect 64, wherein the size of the body in any direction does not exceed 8 centimeters.

[0194] Aspect 72, an apparatus for drying objects, said apparatus comprising:

[0195] case;

[0196] A radiation energy source, wherein the radiation energy source is housed within the housing and generates infrared radiation and directs the infrared radiation to the outside of the housing; and

[0197] A power source that provides power to at least the radiant energy source and the airflow generating element, wherein the power source includes one or more batteries that are received within the housing, the capacity of which is sufficient to sustain the device for more than 19 minutes at a total power of 200 watts and for approximately 13 minutes at a total power of 350 watts.

[0198] Aspect 73, the device as described in aspect 72, wherein the radiation energy source includes an infrared lamp.

[0199] Aspect 74, the device as described in aspect 73, wherein the infrared lamp includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0200] Aspect 75, the device as described in aspect 74, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally annular shape.

[0201] Aspect 76, the device as described in aspect 74, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally conical shape.

[0202] Aspect 77, the device as described in aspect 72, wherein the radiant energy source comprises a plurality of infrared lamps.

[0203] Aspect 78, the device as described in aspect 77, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0204] Aspect 79, the device as described in aspect 77, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are arranged in a ring.

[0205] Aspect 80, the device as described in aspect 77, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet.

[0206] Aspect 81, the device as described in aspect 72, wherein the housing includes a body and a handle, and wherein the one or more batteries are at least partially received within the handle.

[0207] Aspect 82, the device as described in aspect 81, wherein the handle is detachable from the body.

[0208] Aspect 83, the device as described in aspect 72, wherein the total capacity of the one or more batteries is 66.6 watt-hours (Wh).

[0209] Aspect 84, the device as described in aspect 72, wherein the weight of the device does not exceed 800 grams.

[0210] Aspect 85, the device as described in aspect 72, further includes an airflow generating element, which is housed in the housing and generates an airflow through an airflow passage defined in the housing, wherein the velocity of the airflow at the outlet of the airflow passage is at least 10 m / s.

[0211] Aspect 86, the device as described in aspect 72, wherein the average power density of the infrared radiation measured at a distance of 10 cm in front of the housing is at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts / square meter (W / m) 2 .

[0212] Aspect 87, the device as described in aspect 81, wherein the body has a dimension of no more than 7 centimeters in at least one direction;

[0213] Aspect 88, the device as described in aspect 81, wherein the size of the body in any direction does not exceed 8 centimeters.

[0214] Aspect 89, an apparatus for drying objects, said apparatus comprising:

[0215] A housing that provides an airflow passage with an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet;

[0216] An airflow generating element, which is housed in the housing and generates airflow through the airflow channel, wherein the velocity of the airflow at the outlet of the airflow channel is at least 10 m / s;

[0217] A radiation energy source, positioned within the housing and generating infrared radiation and directing it to the exterior of the housing, the infrared radiation being directed to the object being dried; and

[0218] A power source that provides power to at least the radiation energy source and the airflow generating element.

[0219] Aspect 90, an apparatus for drying objects, the apparatus comprising:

[0220] case;

[0221] A radiation energy source, housed within the housing, generates infrared radiation and directs it to the exterior of the housing, wherein the average power density of the infrared radiation measured at a circular radiation spot with a diameter of 10 cm at a distance of 10 cm in front of the housing is at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts per square meter (W / m) 2 ;as well as

[0222] A power source that provides power to at least the radiant energy source.

[0223] Aspect 91, the device as described in aspect 90, wherein the radiation energy source includes an infrared lamp.

[0224] Aspect 92, the device as described in aspect 91, wherein the infrared lamp includes a laser device.

[0225] Aspect 93, the device as described in aspect 92, wherein the laser device is a carbon dioxide laser.

[0226] Aspect 94, the device as described in aspect 92, wherein the laser device includes an optical element that causes the infrared radiation to diverge along a predetermined direction.

[0227] Aspect 95, the device as described in aspect 91, wherein the infrared lamp includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0228] Aspect 96, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally annular shape.

[0229] Aspect 97, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the radiation emitter has a generally annular shape.

[0230] Aspect 98, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally conical shape.

[0231] Aspect 99, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the radiation emitter emits radiation with wavelengths in the range of 0.7 μm to 20 μm.

[0232] Aspect 100, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the radiation emitter includes a conductive resistor, a ceramic heater, or an LED.

[0233] Aspect 101, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the interior of the reflector has a certain degree of vacuum.

[0234] Aspect 102, the device as described in aspect 101, wherein the interior of the reflector comprises an inert gas.

[0235] Aspect 103, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the reflector adjusts the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0236] Aspect 104, the device as described in aspect 103, wherein the reflector directs the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0237] Aspect 105, the device as described in aspect 103, wherein the reflector reduces the divergence angle of the reflected infrared radiation.

[0238] Aspect 106, the device as described in aspect 103, wherein the cross-section of the reflective surface of the reflector is approximately parabolic.

[0239] Aspect 107, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is coated with a coating material having high reflectivity to wavelengths generated by the radiating emitter.

[0240] Aspect 108, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the optical element filters wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter.

[0241] Aspect 109, the device as described in aspect 95, wherein the optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a predetermined direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

[0242] Aspect 110, the device as described in aspect 90, wherein the radiant energy source comprises a plurality of infrared lamps.

[0243] Aspect 111, the device as described in aspect 110, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0244] Aspect 112 is the device as described in aspect 111, wherein the interior of the reflector has a certain degree of vacuum.

[0245] Aspect 113, the device as described in aspect 111, wherein the cross-section of the reflective surface of the reflector is approximately parabolic.

[0246] Aspect 114, the device as described in aspect 111, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is coated with a coating material having high reflectivity to wavelengths generated by the radiating emitter.

[0247] Aspect 115, the device as described in aspect 111, wherein the optical element filters out wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra.

[0248] Aspect 116, the device as described in aspect 110, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are arranged in a ring.

[0249] Aspect 117, the device as described in aspect 116, wherein the axes of each of the plurality of infrared lamps intersect each other.

[0250] Aspect 118, the device as described in aspect 116, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a distance of approximately 10 cm in front of the housing to form a circular spot with a diameter of approximately 10 cm.

[0251] Aspect 119, the device as described in aspect 118, wherein the circular spot receives at least 60% of the energy of the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps.

[0252] Aspect 120, the device as described in aspect 118, wherein the average power density in the circular spot is at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts per square meter (W / m) 2 .

[0253] Aspect 121, an apparatus for drying objects, the apparatus comprising:

[0254] A housing that provides an airflow passage with an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet;

[0255] An airflow generating element, which is housed in the housing and generates airflow through the airflow channel;

[0256] A radiation energy source, housed within the housing and generating and directing infrared radiation to the exterior of the housing, wherein the output of the radiation energy source is separate from the airflow outlet; and

[0257] A power source that provides power to at least the radiation energy source and the airflow generating element.

[0258] Aspect 122, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the radiation energy source includes an infrared lamp.

[0259] Aspect 123, the device as described in aspect 122, wherein the infrared lamps are multiple.

[0260] Aspect 124, the device as described in aspect 122, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally conical shape.

[0261] Aspect 125, the device as described in aspect 122, wherein the infrared lamp has a generally annular shape.

[0262] Aspect 126, the device as described in aspect 125, wherein the radiation emitter has a generally annular shape.

[0263] Aspect 127, the device as described in aspect 124 or aspect 125, wherein the infrared lamp surrounds the airflow outlet.

[0264] Aspect 128, the device as described in aspect 124 or aspect 125, wherein the infrared lamp is surrounded by the airflow outlet.

[0265] Aspect 129, the device as described in aspect 123, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are arranged in an array or along a ring.

[0266] Aspect 130, the device as described in aspect 123, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps has a generally conical shape.

[0267] Aspect 131, the device as described in aspect 130, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps surround the airflow outlet.

[0268] Aspect 132, the device as described in aspect 130, wherein the plurality of infrared lamps are surrounded by the airflow outlet.

[0269] Aspect 133, the device as described in aspect 122 or aspect 123, wherein the infrared lamp includes a reflector having an opening toward the exterior of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0270] Aspect 134, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the radiation emitter includes a conductive resistor, a ceramic heater, or an LED.

[0271] Aspect 135, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the radiation emitter emits radiation with wavelengths in the range of 0.7 μm to 20 μm.

[0272] Aspect 136, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the reflector adjusts the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0273] Aspect 137, the device as described in aspect 136, wherein the reflector directs the infrared radiation toward the opening.

[0274] Aspect 138, the device as described in aspect 136, wherein the reflector reduces the divergence angle of the reflected infrared radiation.

[0275] Aspect 139, the device as described in aspect 136, wherein the cross-section of the reflective surface of the reflector is approximately parabolic.

[0276] Aspect 140, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the reflective surface of the reflector is coated with a coating material having high reflectivity to wavelengths generated by the radiating emitter.

[0277] Aspect 141, the device as described in aspect 140, wherein the coating material has high reflectivity to wavelengths in the infrared spectrum.

[0278] Aspect 142, the device as described in aspect 140, wherein the coating material comprises one of the following: gold, silver and aluminum.

[0279] Aspect 143, the device as described in aspect 140, wherein the coating material comprises a metal dielectric coating having alternating layers of dielectric material.

[0280] Aspect 144, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the interior of the reflector has a certain degree of vacuum.

[0281] Aspect 145, the device as described in aspect 144, wherein the internal pressure of the reflector is approximately 0.7 standard atmospheres atm or lower.

[0282] Aspect 146, the device as described in aspect 144, wherein the interior of the reflector comprises an inert gas.

[0283] Aspect 147, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the optical element is an optical lens.

[0284] Aspect 148, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the optical element filters wavelengths in the visible and / or ultraviolet spectra from the radiation emitted by the radiation emitter.

[0285] Aspect 149, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein the optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a predetermined direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

[0286] Aspect 150, the device as described in aspect 133, wherein a portion of the airflow is directed from the airflow channel to the optical element.

[0287] Aspect 151, the device as described in aspect 133, further includes a heat-insulating material located at at least one of the following locations: between the radiating emitter and the reflector, such that the radiating emitter is heat-insulating to the reflector; or, between the periphery of the optical element and the reflector, such that the optical element is heat-insulating to the reflector.

[0288] Aspect 152, the device as described in aspect 122 or aspect 123, wherein the infrared lamp includes a laser device.

[0289] Aspect 153, the device as described in aspect 152, wherein the laser device includes an optical element that causes the infrared radiation to diverge along a predetermined direction.

[0290] Aspect 154, the device as described in aspect 123, wherein each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening toward the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

[0291] Aspect 155, the device as described in aspect 154, wherein the optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a predetermined direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

[0292] Aspect 156, the device as described in aspect 155, wherein the directions of the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps intersect each other.

[0293] Aspect 157, the device as described in aspect 155, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet.

[0294] Aspect 158, the device as described in aspect 157, wherein the axes of each of the plurality of infrared lamps intersect each other.

[0295] Aspect 159, the device as described in aspect 157, wherein the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps overlaps at a distance of approximately 10 cm in front of the airflow outlet to form a circular spot with a diameter of approximately 10 cm.

[0296] Aspect 160, the device as described in aspect 159, wherein the circular spot receives at least 60% of the energy of the infrared radiation emitted from each of the plurality of infrared lamps.

[0297] Aspect 161, the device as described in aspect 159, wherein the average power density in the circular spot is at least 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Watts per square meter (W / m) 2 .

[0298] Aspect 162, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein an air filter is disposed at the airflow inlet.

[0299] Aspect 163, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the airflow generating element includes a fan driven by a motor, the rotation of which, when actuated, generates the airflow through the airflow channel.

[0300] Aspect 164, the device as described in aspect 163, wherein the rotational speed of the fan is adjustable.

[0301] Aspect 165, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries, the one or more batteries being received within the housing.

[0302] Aspect 166, the device as described in aspect 165, wherein the one or more batteries are rechargeable and / or replaceable.

[0303] Aspect 167, the device as described in aspect 165, wherein the housing includes a body and a handle, and wherein the one or more batteries are at least partially received within the handle.

[0304] Aspect 168, the device as described in aspect 167, wherein the handle is detachable from the body.

[0305] Aspect 169, the device as described in aspect 167, wherein at least a portion of the airflow inlet is disposed at the body.

[0306] Aspect 170, the device as described in aspect 167, wherein at least a portion of the airflow inlet is disposed at the handle.

[0307] Aspect 171, the device as described in aspect 167, wherein at least a portion of the airflow outlet is disposed at the body.

[0308] Aspect 172, the device as described in aspect 167, wherein at least a portion of the airflow outlet is disposed at the handle.

[0309] Aspect 173, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the power supply includes a power adapter connected to the power supply via a wire.

[0310] Aspect 174, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the airflow channel surrounds the outer periphery of the radiation energy source.

[0311] Aspect 175, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the radiant energy source surrounds the outer periphery of the airflow channel.

[0312] Aspect 176, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the temperature rise of the airflow through the airflow channel caused by the radiant energy source does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius.

[0313] Aspect 177, the device as described in aspect 176, wherein the temperature rise of the airflow through the airflow channel caused by the radiant energy source does not exceed 3 degrees Celsius.

[0314] Aspect 178, the device as described in aspect 121, further includes at least one sensor disposed at the housing.

[0315] Aspect 179, the device as described in aspect 178, wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0316] Aspect 180, the device as described in aspect 121, wherein the object is hair or fabric.

Claims

1. An apparatus for drying objects, the apparatus comprising: A housing that provides an airflow passage with an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet; An airflow generating element, which is housed in the housing and generates airflow through the airflow channel; A radiation energy source, housed within the housing and generating and directing infrared radiation to the exterior of the housing, wherein the output of the radiation energy source is separate from the airflow outlet, wherein the radiation energy source includes an infrared lamp, the infrared lamp including a reflector having an opening toward the exterior of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector, wherein radiation emitted by the radiation emitter is reflected toward the exterior of the housing by the reflective surface of the reflector, and the reflector is configured to reduce the divergence angle of the reflected infrared radiation; as well as A power source that provides power to at least the radiation energy source and the airflow generating element; The radiation energy source is configured to emit infrared energy within a preset wavelength range and power density, and the heat carried by the infrared energy is directly transferred to the object via radiative heat transfer; and The infrared lamps are multiple infrared lamps arranged in a ring around the airflow outlet, and the infrared radiation emitted by each of the multiple infrared lamps overlaps at a predetermined distance in front of the airflow outlet.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The radiation energy source surrounds the outer periphery of the airflow channel.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The optical element causes the infrared radiation to converge along a preset direction or reduces the divergence angle of the infrared radiation.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The infrared lamp has a roughly conical shape.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of infrared lamps includes a reflector having an opening facing the outside of the housing, an optical element abutting the opening of the reflector, and a radiation emitter located inside the reflector.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Multiple infrared lights are arranged in a ring shape but not consecutively.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device also includes a sensor, and the sensor and the plurality of infrared lights are arranged in a ring.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The sensor is one of a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, or a humidity sensor.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of infrared lamps has a generally conical shape.

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