Drying apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drying methods, such as towel drying, are inefficient and resource-intensive, leading to inadequate drying, especially in areas like gyms and hotels, and contribute to high water consumption and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A forced airflow drying apparatus that uses a body with air inlets, flow guides, and an airflow generator to produce a directed airflow for efficient drying, reducing reliance on towels and minimizing water usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If towel drying is used, then drying of the person can be achieved, but water consumption and laundry loads increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater consumptionVSAvoiddrying effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of towels (absorption through contact) with a forced airflow system using fans and air channels to remove moisture through evaporation and air movement, eliminating the need for physical towels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic principles by generating forced airflow through fans and directing it through specific air channels across the user's body surface to efficiently remove moisture, replacing the hydraulic/absorptive mechanism of towels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If towels are used frequently, then drying effectiveness is maintained, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to high water consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces towel-based mechanical drying with an automated airflow generation system that uses electric fans and structured air channels to achieve drying without consumable materials, eliminating environmental damage from laundry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If towel drying is used, then portability and simplicity are maintained, but drying efficiency and completeness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drying apparatus is segmented into multiple independent air channels (first air channel, second air channel, third air channel) that can be selectively activated, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive drying coverage while maintaining modular simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow generation system serves multiple functions: it dries different body parts through different air channels, can operate with varying fan speeds for different drying needs, and eliminates the need for multiple towels, making the single apparatus universally applicable for complete body drying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides effective and efficient drying of individuals, reducing bacterial and fungal growth risks while minimizing water consumption and laundry loads, thus promoting health and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

an airflow generator to generate forced airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3881741B1Drying apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3881741B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3881741B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3881741B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A forced airflow drying apparatus includes a body including an air inlet, a flow guide having a first end coupled to the air inlet and a second end opened to an upstream side of a filter unit, and an airflow generator to generate a forced airflow. The airflow generator has a first end and a second end, where the first end of the airflow generator is opened to a downstream side of the filter unit. An air outlet is in communication with the second end of the airflow generator to receive the forced airflow from the airflow generator and to expel the forced airflow out of the body.