Glove and mitten dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dryer systems for articles like gloves and mittens are inefficient, costly, and pose storage and safety issues due to lengthy drying times, high energy consumption, and lack of portability and storable design.
Innovation Solution
A glove dryer system that mounts to a preexisting furnace outlet, featuring a base with detachable nozzles that form a volumetric enclosure and stack for storage, allowing heated air to dry articles efficiently while disassembling into stackable elements for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If gas or electric dryers are used to dry saturated articles, then the articles can be dried, but the energy consumption becomes enormous and the drying time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the existing furnace heating system to dry articles, allowing the furnace to serve dual purposes (heating the space and drying articles). The articles are placed in the furnace when not in use, and the furnace's normal operation provides the necessary heat for drying without requiring separate energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The furnace is designed to perform multiple functions: primary heating of the space and secondary drying of articles. The same heating mechanism serves both purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated drying equipment and reducing overall energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If traditional dryer systems are used, then articles can be dried, but the devices are not portable or easily storable
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is divided into detachable components including a base and multiple nozzles. The nozzles can be removed from the base when not in use, allowing the base to be stored in a compact form and the nozzles to be stored separately or nested within the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable nozzles are designed to nest within the base structure when removed from operational position. This nesting capability allows all components to be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner that maintains portability while preserving all functional elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If makeshift drying solutions are used, then articles can be dried, but fire hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
A structured base unit serves as an intermediary between the furnace and the articles. This base provides a controlled environment with proper airflow channels and heat distribution, replacing unsafe makeshift solutions while maintaining simplicity of use. The base acts as a safety interface that manages the thermal interaction between the furnace and articles.
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 system provides a safe, efficient, and portable means to dry articles using existing furnace heat, reducing energy costs and offering a compact storage solution for tools and supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a base forming a volumetric enclosure for substantially enclosing an outlet of the preexisting furnace
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of tubular detachable nozzles, each comprising: a connecting end, wherein the connecting end is configured to removably attach to any one of the plurality of base holes; an opposing distal end, wherein the distal end forms a exit hole; and a plurality of auxiliary holes disposed between the connecting end and the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A drying system embodying a method and glove dryer mountable to an outlet of an already-running furnace when in use so as to safely and efficiently dry out articles, and that dissembles into stackable elements when stored is provided. The glove dryer may include a base providing a plurality of detachable nozzles. The base may form a volumetric enclosure for both safely mounting the outlet of an already-running furnace as well as for storage purposes. The plurality of detachable nozzles may be stacked in a nest configuration when removed from the base for storing in the volumetric enclosure. When in use, the plurality of detachable nozzles each provide a plurality of holes through which heated air from the outlet reaches to tops of articles of clothing slidably received thereon.