Reservoir Bladder Dryer Framework with Air Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydration device bladders and water delivery conduits suffer from contamination and organic growth, such as mold, due to stagnant moisture, especially in the back internal cavity areas, which existing drying methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir bladder dryer system that securely attaches to the bladder and directs heated air to both the main and back internal cavity areas using a framework with air guides and a biased tab for complete drying, reducing mold and organic accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple framework is placed within the bladder to keep side walls from constant contact, then drying is partially improved, but the back internal cavity area remains undried and mold growth continues
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is divided into multiple components including cross members, longitudinal members, and air guide structures that segment the internal cavity into multiple zones. This segmentation allows air to be distributed to both the main internal cavity and the back pocket area, resolving the issue of incomplete drying while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Air guides are introduced as intermediary structures that direct airflow from the main cavity to the back pocket area. These air guides act as mediators that distribute drying air to previously inaccessible regions, improving overall drying effectiveness without requiring a complete redesign of the framework
2Ease of manufacture
If the ports are located offset from the end of the bladder, then the bladder structure is simplified, but the back internal cavity area becomes difficult to dry completely
Solution Approach 1:
The framework extends air distribution into the third dimension by incorporating longitudinal members and air guides that reach into the back pocket area. This dimensional extension of airflow paths allows complete drying of the back cavity while maintaining the simplified offset port configuration for ease of manufacture
3Ease of operation
If stagnant water remains in the bladder during storage, then the bladder is easier to store, but mold and organic growth are promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The framework and air guides are pre-installed in the bladder before storage, creating a permanent air circulation pathway. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the bladder is stored, air can continuously flow through all internal areas, preventing stagnant moisture accumulation and mold growth while maintaining storage convenience
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 system ensures thorough drying of the entire bladder reservoir, significantly reducing mold and organic growth by ensuring air reaches all areas, including the back pocket, thereby maintaining hygiene and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first air passageway formed by the framework and configured to receive heated air and to direct the heated air to the primary internal cavity
Implementation Method 2
a biased tab mounted to the framework configured to apply outward pressure to the reservoir bladder, for securing the reservoir bladder to the framework
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses a dryer for insertion into a cavity of a reservoir bladder with a fill inlet, a primary internal cavity and a back pocket cavity portion, the dryer including a framework configured for insertion into a water inlet of an internal cavity of reservoir bladder which includes a primary internal cavity and a back pocket cavity portion, and a first air passageway formed by the framework and configured to receive heated air from an air supply passageway and heater, and to direct the heated air to the primary internal cavity. The invention also discloses the framework forming a second air passageway which is configured to direct heated air to the back pocket cavity portion and such a framework providing a biased tab mounted to the framework configured to provide a biased securing tab for applying outward pressure to the water inlet of the reservoir bladder, for securing the reservoir bladder to the framework.