A waterproof shoe support for a dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe supports for dryers are not waterproof, leading to water dripping into the dryer's circuitry when wet shoes are dried, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof shoe support with inclined support plate and strategically positioned air outlets below the plate, guiding water away from air intake, and incorporating semi-spherical surfaces and guiding walls to prevent water entry into the dryer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air outlets are positioned on the top side of the shoe support for effective air circulation, then drying efficiency is improved, but water can directly drip into the air outlets and enter the dryer causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlets are repositioned from the top surface to the lateral surface of the shoe support, changing the spatial dimension of air intake. This lateral positioning combined with the inclined support plate geometry creates a configuration where air can still circulate effectively through the shoe while water dripping vertically cannot enter the outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is designed with an asymmetric inclination angle, creating an uneven surface that directs water flow away from the air outlets. The asymmetric geometry ensures that water dripping from the shoe follows a path that does not intersect with the laterally positioned air outlets, while still allowing effective air circulation.
2Reliability
If the support plate is made completely waterproof to prevent water entry, then safety is improved, but air circulation and drying effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire support plate waterproof, the invention applies waterproofing selectively to specific critical areas where water contact with electrical components must be prevented. The air outlets remain open for effective air circulation, while localized waterproof features at the air outlet openings and connecting portions provide the necessary protection.
3Ease of operation
If the support plate is positioned horizontally for stable shoe placement, then ease of operation is improved, but water flows directly into the connecting portion and air outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is positioned at an asymmetric inclination angle rather than horizontally, creating an uneven surface that naturally directs water flow away from the connecting portion and air outlets. This asymmetric geometry maintains stable shoe placement while providing passive water diversion through the inclined surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents water from entering the dryer, ensuring safety by maintaining a waterproof function and facilitating even air circulation within the shoe.
Implementation Method 1
water may first drip onto a top side of the support plate, and then being guided by the support plate to fall onto or around the connecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof shoe support for a dryer capable of avoiding water dripping into the dryer when the shoe support is in use, including a support body; the support body has a support plate provided on a top side of the support body and a tubular connecting portion integrally connected to a bottom side of the support plate; a plurality of air outlets are provided on the connecting portion; the plurality of air outlets are positioned below the support plate, and are shadowed by the support plate within a periphery of the support plate.