Dryer apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers have low air pressure, short drying cycles, and fixed temperature settings, which are inefficient for drying various garments, and pose risks due to coil-based heating elements and hose-based solutions that are not practical for all items.
Innovation Solution
A dryer assembly with a centrifugal impeller using backwardly curved blades for high airflow and pressure, a ceramic heating element for safe temperature control, and adaptable adapters for different garment types, along with ozone generation or UV light for odor and bacteria removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If airflow and air pressure are increased in dryer apparatuses, then drying efficiency is improved, but noise levels become unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the impeller speed variable through a control unit that adjusts rotational speed based on selected programs and sensor feedback. This allows the system to optimize airflow and pressure dynamically, achieving high drying efficiency when needed while reducing speed (and noise) during normal operation or for different garment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by using a centrifugal impeller with backwardly curved blades designed to generate high pressure, and by implementing variable speed control. The control unit adjusts operational parameters (speed, temperature via heating element) to achieve optimal drying efficiency without continuously operating at high noise-generating levels.
2Power
If coil-based heating elements are used in dryers, then heating efficiency is improved, but fire hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the coil-based heating system (thermal conduction through coils) with a ceramic heating element that generates heat through a different mechanism. The ceramic element provides efficient heating while inherently reducing fire hazards due to its material properties - it does not have exposed hot wires or coils that can easily ignite surrounding materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ceramic material for the heating element, which combines high heat generation capability with inherent safety properties. Ceramic materials can withstand high temperatures without deforming or igniting, providing both heating efficiency and fire safety in a single component.
3Device complexity
If fixed temperature settings are used in dryers, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different garment types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control through a control unit that can select from multiple temperature settings and adjust heating element power accordingly. Different programs (e.g., for shoes, gloves, clothes) provide optimized temperature profiles, making the system adaptable to various garment types while maintaining manageable complexity through preset configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal drying system that can handle multiple garment types (shoes, boots, gloves, mittens, clothes) through a single device with programmable temperature and airflow settings. The control unit stores multiple programs that adjust operational parameters to suit different material requirements, eliminating the need for separate specialized dryers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hose-based solutions are used for bringing air to garments, then flexibility is improved, but ease of organization and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air distribution system into multiple fixed outlets arranged in an array on the housing. Each outlet can be independently utilized, and the housing itself can be positioned or oriented to accommodate different garment types. This eliminates the need for flexible hoses while maintaining adaptability through strategic outlet placement and modular housing design.
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 dryer assembly achieves efficient drying with adjustable temperature and airflow, reducing noise and fire hazards while effectively handling various garment types and improving storage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal impeller for generating a flow of air from the inlet to the outlet, the centrifugal impeller having backwardly curved blades and being adapted to draw in air through the inlet in a direction parallel its rotational axis and to distribute the air radially out into an internal chamber of the housing
Implementation Method 2
an optional ceramic heating element arranged between the inlet and the outlet of the housing so that heated air may flow out from the housing and into the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer assembly is for drying garments, the dryer assembly having: a housing with an air inlet and an outlet; a centrifugal impeller for generating a flow of air from the inlet to the outlet, the centrifugal impeller having backwardly curved blades and being adapted to draw in air through the inlet in a direction parallel its rotational axis and to distribute the air radially out into an internal chamber of the housing, the chamber being formed so as to guide the air radially from the impeller towards the outlet, a control unit adapted to control the impeller based on input from a user; and an adapter having an inlet connected to the outlet of the housing and one or more outlets through which air from the dryer housing may flow to dry garment placed around, at or near the outlet, the adapter being releasably connected to the housing.