Axial Gas Drying for Uniform Columnar Structure Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drying devices for columnar structures face issues of complex configuration, high electricity consumption, non-uniform drying due to radial airflow, and prolonged drying times, leading to increased manufacturing costs and uneven capsule thickness.

Innovation Solution

A drying device with feeding and discharge parts on an opposing surface facing the supporting surface, forming an axial airflow around columnar structures, and symmetrically disposed discharge parts to ensure uniform drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If air flows in the radial direction of the capsules, then drying can be performed, but non-uniform drying occurs resulting in non-uniform capsule thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule thickness uniformityVSAvoiddrying speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional radial airflow direction and implements axial airflow through the capsule by positioning feeding and discharge parts at opposite ends of the molding pin, enabling uniform drying without compromising drying speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the airflow direction from radial (horizontal dimension) to axial (vertical dimension), creating a one-dimensional flow path through the capsule that ensures uniform drying throughout the capsule structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the flow rate of air is reduced to avoid non-uniform drying, then capsule thickness uniformity is improved, but drying time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule thickness uniformityVSAvoiddrying time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reducing airflow rate to achieve uniformity, the patent inverts the airflow direction to axial flow, which naturally provides uniform distribution throughout the capsule while maintaining high drying speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow direction parameter from radial to axial, which fundamentally alters the drying pattern to achieve both uniformity and speed without needing to adjust flow rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional heating of pins is used, then drying can be performed, but the configuration becomes complex and electricity consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying device simplicityVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating function from the molding pin and relocates it to the airflow system, eliminating the need for heated pins and their associated complex configurations and high electricity consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal conduction mechanism (heated pins) with a convective heating mechanism (hot airflow), simplifying the system configuration and reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables prompt and uniform drying of columnar structures, preventing non-uniform thickness and reducing manufacturing costs by optimizing airflow direction and configuration.

Implementation Method 1

drying the columnar structures by causing a drying gas to flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3719429B1Drying device for columnar structure, and method for manufacturing columnar structure
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 QUALICAPS CO LTD
  • EP3719429B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3719429B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3719429B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a device (1) for drying a columnar structure (30) supported upright on a supporting surface (2a), wherein a feeding part (5a) for feeding drying gas toward the supporting surface (2a) and a discharge part (6b) for discharging the fed drying gas are both provided in an opposing surface (6a) facing the supporting surface (2a). A plurality of feeding parts (5a) and a plurality of discharge parts (6b) are preferably provided, and the plurality of discharge parts (6b) are preferably symmetrically disposed around one feeding part (5a).