Drying apparatus
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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 streamlined configuration that uses complex air flows, a moving bar to direct air along the body, and a duct system to efficiently deliver air to various parts, including a filter assembly for air purification and a control method for automatic operation and user-selectable drying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 supply regardless of body characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different air flow characteristics to different body regions. The air outlet is positioned to supply air primarily to the lower body and feet, while the upper body is dried through natural air circulation and heat radiation from the heating element. This localized approach matches the air supply intensity to the specific drying needs of each body region, improving overall drying efficiency while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dry booth is installed in the bathroom, then drying function is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying function with the existing bathroom mirror structure. The heating element and air outlet are integrated into the mirror frame, allowing the drying apparatus to utilize the vertical space above the sink area. This integration enables the bathroom to have both a functional mirror and an effective body dryer without requiring separate dedicated space, thus adding versatility while minimizing space occupation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple fans are used to supply air to different body portions, then drying coverage is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single fan that performs multiple functions: it draws air through the heating element and distributes it through the air outlet to cover various body regions. The heating element itself radiates heat to the upper body while the fan-directed air flow targets the lower body and feet. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive drying coverage without requiring multiple separate fans, thereby reducing device complexity and size.
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 entire body, including hard-to-reach areas, while minimizing space occupation and noise, and provides effective air purification, ensuring better hygiene and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly (160) disposed inside the main body (100) and configured to generate a flow of air
Implementation Method 2
a duct (130) communicating with the fan assembly (160) to allow the flow of air to be delivered to the outlets (124)
Implementation Method 3
a heating element disposed between the fan assembly and the duct to set the temperature of the flow of air
Implementation Method 4
a filter assembly installable at an entrance hole of the main body and having filters to purify air introduced into the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A drying apparatus includes a 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.