Drying device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for drying sweaty athletic gear, such as shoes and socks, are inefficient in removing moisture and killing odor-causing bacteria, often requiring long times and using chemicals that may cause allergic reactions or be unpleasant.

Innovation Solution

A device with an enclosed container housing a desiccant material on a perforated tray, featuring direct airflow and a fan to enhance moisture removal, using efficient desiccants like anhydrous calcium chloride, and a design that allows for optimal desiccant usage and visibility of saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If desiccant inserts are placed in shoes to remove moisture, then moisture removal is achieved, but the desiccant efficiency is limited by surface area and the insert exposes the desiccant to large room areas reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removal efficiencyVSAvoiddesiccant surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the desiccant from direct contact with the shoe interior by placing it on a perforated tray below the shoe, allowing moisture vapor to be drawn through the shoe material and into the desiccant chamber, thereby concentrating the desiccant's action on shoe moisture rather than ambient room moisture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The perforated tray acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates moisture transfer from the shoe interior to the desiccant while maintaining spatial separation, enabling efficient moisture removal without requiring the desiccant to directly contact the shoe or occupy valuable interior space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If desiccant material is used to adsorb moisture, then moisture is removed, but the desiccant may become softer with adsorption and lose shape stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture adsorption capacityVSAvoiddesiccant shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the desiccant into multiple smaller beads or pellets placed on the perforated tray, which maintains structural stability while providing sufficient total surface area for moisture adsorption, preventing the desiccant from becoming overly soft or deforming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a rigid perforated tray structure that copies or replicates the supportive function of shoe interior structures, providing a stable platform for the desiccant that compensates for any shape changes the desiccant undergoes during moisture adsorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Volume of moving object

If inserts are designed to fit within the shoe, then space utilization is improved, but airflow is inhibited and moisture removal effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert space utilizationVSAvoidairflow circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the desiccant inside the shoe interior, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the desiccant on a tray below the shoe, allowing air to flow freely through the shoe from the top while moisture vapor is drawn downward into the desiccant chamber, eliminating airflow obstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If it is not clear when the desiccant has been exhausted, then continuous operation is assumed, but the desiccant may be saturated reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesiccant operational durationVSAvoiddesiccant saturation status

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates color-changing indicators into the desiccant system, such as humidity indicator cards or color-coded desiccant beads that change color when saturated, providing clear visual information about the desiccant's operational status and when replacement is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Quickly and effectively removes moisture from athletic gear, preventing odor-causing bacteria growth without using fragrances or chemicals, ensuring convenience and portability.

Implementation Method 1

a desiccant material disposed atop a perforated tray near the bottom of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the enclosed container houses a fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10330384B2Drying device

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 LEUNG JESSICA

AI summary

An apparatus for drying an item includes a container including a width and a height, an insert including a planar surface positioned parallel to the width at a first point along the height, wherein the insert surface includes a plurality of openings, a perforated tray positioned parallel to the width at a second point along the height between the insert and a bottom of the container, and a desiccant material positioned on the tray.