Dryer with Dual RF Electrodes for Drying and Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers face inefficiencies in both drying and sterilization processes, with conventional dryers using hot air transfer having low heat efficiency and damaging objects, while dielectric heating dryers only provide drying without sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A dryer design incorporating separate drying and sterilizing electrodes with RF power suppliers and impedance matching circuits, allowing for alternating drying and sterilizing operations using different power settings to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hot air is supplied into the drum to dry the object, then the object can be dried, but heat transfer efficiency is low and the hot air may damage the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional hot air convection system with a dielectric heating system using RF electromagnetic fields. The RF power supplier generates electromagnetic energy that directly heats water molecules in the object through dielectric loss, eliminating the need for hot air circulation and significantly improving heat transfer efficiency while avoiding thermal damage to the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from thermal convection to dielectric heating by applying RF electromagnetic fields. This parameter change allows direct energy transfer to water molecules, achieving rapid and efficient drying without the intermediate step of heating air, thus resolving the heat transfer efficiency problem.
2Productivity
If a single electrode is used for dielectric heating, then the object can be dried, but sterilization function is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single electrode into two separate electrodes: a drying electrode and a sterilizing electrode. The drying electrode is used for dielectric heating to remove moisture, while the sterilizing electrode is used to generate high voltage for sterilization. This segmentation allows the system to perform both drying and sterilization functions independently and effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional drying device by equipping it with two electrodes that can perform different functions. The system can alternatively perform drying operations using the drying electrode and sterilizing operations using the sterilizing electrode, making the device versatile for both drying and sterilization needs.
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 achieves enhanced drying efficiency and sterilization efficacy, with the added benefit of deodorization, by utilizing distinct electrodes and controlled power application for both functions.
Implementation Method 1
a dryer that is capable of drying an object through dielectric heating that uses radio frequency (RF)
Implementation Method 2
heats water contained in the object by producing an electric field between the two flat electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer includes a drum; a plurality of drying electrodes arranged along a circumferential surface of the drum; a plurality of sterilizing electrodes arranged along the circumferential surface of the drum between the plurality of drying electrodes; first and second RF power suppliers configured to generate RF signals, respectively; an impedance matching circuit configured to perform first impedance matching between the first RF power supplier and the plurality of drying electrodes or second impedance matching between the second RF power supplier and the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; a first switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the first RF power supplier or the second RF power supplier; a second switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of drying electrodes; a third switch configured to connect the impedance matching circuit to the plurality of sterilizing electrodes; and a controller.