Body Dryer Air Outlet Layout for Full-Body Moisture Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing body drying apparatuses are inefficient in removing moisture from the entire body, often require complex configurations, occupy excessive space, and fail to effectively dry hard-to-reach areas, leading to inadequate moisture removal and potential bacterial or fungal growth.

Innovation Solution

A drying apparatus with a main body and a moving bar that discharges air through multiple outlets and a duct system, allowing for efficient air flow and targeted moisture removal, with the moving bar moving up and down to cover the entire body and discharge air slantingly for thorough drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a body dryer supplies forced air flow to the entire body, then drying coverage is improved, but drying efficiency deteriorates due to uniform air distribution regardless of body characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying coverage areaVSAvoiddrying efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different air flow characteristics to different body regions. The drying apparatus includes multiple air outlets positioned to target specific areas (head, torso, limbs) with appropriate air flow intensity and direction, rather than uniform distribution. This allows efficient moisture removal from each region according to its specific drying needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The drying apparatus is segmented into multiple independent air supply zones with separate control capabilities. Each body region receives air flow through dedicated outlets that can be independently adjusted, allowing the system to address the entire body coverage requirement while maintaining high drying efficiency through localized optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple fans are used to supply air to different body portions, then drying coverage is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying coverage areaVSAvoiddrying apparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple air supply functions into a single integrated housing structure. Multiple fans are positioned within one compact unit that distributes air through various outlets directed at different body regions. This combining approach achieves comprehensive body coverage without requiring separate drying devices for each body part, thus avoiding excessive size increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus utilizes spatial arrangement and directional air flow in three-dimensional space to cover the entire body surface. By positioning outlets and fans to create multi-directional air streams that wrap around and reach all body portions, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing device volume.

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

3Ease of operation

If a drying apparatus is installed on the bathroom floor, then accessibility is improved, but floor space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidfloor space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a movable drying apparatus that can be relocated as needed. The device incorporates wheels or movable bases allowing it to be easily positioned in front of the user and then moved to compact storage spaces when not in use. This dynamic mobility provides full accessibility during operation while minimizing floor space occupation during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus transitions from occupying horizontal floor space to utilizing vertical storage space. When not in use, the movable device can be stored upright against a wall or in a vertical corner, converting its spatial footprint from two-dimensional floor occupation to minimal three-dimensional corner utilization, thus preserving bathroom floor area.

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

4Productivity

If air outlets are positioned to discharge air toward the front of the main body, then moisture removal from upper body is improved, but coverage of lower body and feet is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture removal efficiencyVSAvoiddrying coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet system is segmented into multiple groups positioned at different heights and angles. Upper outlets discharge air forward to effectively dry the head and torso, while lower outlets positioned near the base discharge air downward and forward to target the legs and feet. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage of all body regions with optimized air flow direction for each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet arrangement employs asymmetric positioning and angular orientation to match the geometry of the human body. Air outlets are strategically placed at various heights and tilted at different angles to direct air flow along the contours of the body, ensuring that both upper and lower regions receive adequate air exposure for effective moisture removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 apparatus efficiently removes moisture from the body, reducing the risk of bacterial or fungal growth and minimizing space occupation, while allowing for easy maintenance and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a fan assembly (160) to generate a flow of air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3967195B1Drying apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3967195B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967195B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3967195B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A drying apparatus includesa main body composed of a front end frame and a rear end frame. A fan receiving part may be disposed on the upper end of the front end frame and protruding forward therefrom, and a fan assembly may be located in the fan receiving part. The open part may be disposed at the lower part of the fan receiving part of the front end frame, and the outlets may be located along the upper end edge and opposite edges of the open part. Air may be delivered to the outlets through the duct disposed at the main body.