Multi-Passage Air Duct Layout for Compact Hair Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric hair dryers face challenges in achieving a miniaturized design due to internal structural limitations, which hinder their portability and usability in situations requiring frequent travel.
Innovation Solution
An air duct assembly with a unique flow passage design featuring multiple diversion passages and curved sections that allow fluid to change direction multiple times, reducing the need for long straight passages, thereby minimizing the assembly's size and enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional straight long-distance flow passage is used, then the fluid flow path is simple, but the air duct assembly occupies large space and cannot achieve miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear one-dimensional flow path into a multi-dimensional structure by adding diversion passages that change the flow direction in space. The fluid flows through first passage, then diverges through first diversion passage to second passage, and further through second diversion passage to third passage, utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce overall assembly volume while maintaining flow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is segmented into multiple independent sections: first passage, first diversion passage, second passage, second diversion passage, and third passage. Each segment performs a specific function (conveying fluid or diverting fluid), allowing the overall structure to be compact while maintaining efficient fluid flow through modular arrangement.
2Volume of moving object
If the air duct assembly is miniaturized, then the electric hair dryer becomes portable, but the flow resistance increases and fluid transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging passages in three-dimensional space with vertical and horizontal components, the patent reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining sufficient flow path length. The diversion passages utilize vertical space to redirect flow without requiring long horizontal extensions, thus minimizing volume while preserving flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion passages are designed with curved transitions rather than sharp angles, allowing fluid to change direction smoothly. This reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing energy loss while enabling compact routing of the flow path within limited space.
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
The air duct assembly achieves significant miniaturization and compactness while maintaining high fluid flow efficiency and stability, facilitating integration into portable electric hair dryers.
Implementation Method 1
The first passage is configured for conveying fluid to the first diversion passage along a first direction. The first diversion passage is configured for diverting the fluid entering from the first passage to a second direction and enabling the fluid to enter the second passage.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air duct assembly, a blowing device and an electric hair dryer are provided. A first air inlet and an air outlet are formed in the air duct assembly. The air duct assembly is provided with a first passage, a first diversion passage, a second passage, a second diversion passage and a third passage. Fluid is conveyed to the first diversion passage along a first direction. The fluid entering from the first passage is diverted to to a second direction and enabling the fluid to enter the second passage. The second passage is configured for diverting the fluid to the second diversion passage along a second direction. The second diversion passage is configured for diverting the fluid output from the second passage to a third direction and enabling the fluid to enter the third passage. The third passage is configured for diverting the fluid to the air outlet.