Automated Drying Chamber With Laminar Air Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying and curing technologies lack automated systems that utilize customized variable settings and laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure to ensure optimal curing and drying environments for materials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a chamber with sensors, motors, and fans that control air flow through passages to create laminar air flow via negative pressure, adjusting based on sensor measurements and time settings to maintain optimal humidity and temperature conditions within the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional drying and curing chambers are used with basic fans and temperature control, then the system is simple to operate, but the air flow is non-uniform leading to inconsistent drying and curing results
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into multiple zones with independent air flow control. Multiple fans are positioned at different locations (top, bottom, sides) to create localized laminar flow patterns. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for uniform air flow, resolving the contradiction by achieving consistent drying/curing through zoned control rather than single-point control.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are integrated throughout the chamber to continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and air flow conditions. This feedback is fed to the control system which automatically adjusts fan speeds and heating element output to maintain optimal conditions. The feedback mechanism ensures manufacturing precision by compensating for deviations in real-time, while the automation reduces operational complexity.
2Reliability
If automated control systems with sensors and multiple fans are implemented, then drying and curing consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors temperature via sensors, controls fan speeds based on air flow requirements, regulates heating element output, and maintains humidity levels. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated controller, improving reliability through coordinated control while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically maintain optimal drying and curing conditions without continuous manual intervention. Sensors self-monitor conditions and the control system self-adjusts parameters based on pre-programmed algorithms. This self-service capability ensures process reliability while reducing the operational burden, effectively managing the complexity-reliability trade-off.
3Manufacturing precision
If laminar air flow via negative pressure is used, then uniform air flow and material quality are maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fan speeds are dynamically adjusted based on real-time feedback from sensors rather than operating at constant high speed. The control system modulates fan output to maintain the required laminar flow pattern only when and where needed, reducing overall energy consumption while preserving air flow uniformity. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making energy usage proportional to actual process requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Laminar flow is generated locally at specific points in the chamber where materials are positioned, rather than attempting to create uniform flow throughout the entire chamber volume. Multiple localized flow sources are coordinated to achieve overall uniformity. This approach reduces the total energy required compared to generating high-velocity flow throughout the entire space, while maintaining the precision benefits of laminar flow at critical locations.
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
This approach ensures consistent and controlled drying and curing processes, preventing over-drying or mold growth, while maintaining the quality of materials by providing uniform air flow and adjustable environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
provide laminar air flow via negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor located in the interior of the chamber and in communication with a control system to convey measurements of the sensor
Implementation Method 4
drying and curing processes
Implementation Method 5
control and monitor those conditions in drying materials
Data Source
AI summary
Machines, systems and methods for curing materials, including organic and nonorganic materials, are described. In particular, machines, systems and methods for machines, systems and methods for materials, such as organic plant materials or inorganic materials, including cannabis materials. In particular, the present invention relates to machines, systems and methods for an automated drying and curing chamber machine for both personal and commercial applications, wherein the machine uses customized variable settings and laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure to ensure the optimal curing and drying environment for plant materials are described.