Hand dryer apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water droplets blown off a hand can enter the casing of a hand dryer apparatus through the air inlet port, especially when the cover is removed for maintenance, due to the configuration of the intake air pathway and air inlet port.
Innovation Solution
The hand dryer apparatus features a cover with an air inlet port and a fixed intake air pathway body, which is removable with the cover, preventing water entry by positioning the air inlet port above the nozzle and using a gasket to seal the gap between the cover and the intake air pathway body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the air inlet port is formed in the cover and the cover is removed for maintenance, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but water droplets can enter the casing through the connection portion between the cover and intake air pathway
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof member (gasket) is introduced as an intermediary component between the cover and the intake air pathway body. This gasket seals the connection interface, preventing water droplets from entering the casing while allowing the cover to be removed for maintenance. The waterproof member is specifically positioned at the connection portion where the cover attaches to the intake air pathway body, creating a reliable seal without compromising accessibility.
2Productivity
If the air inlet port is positioned rearward of the nozzle, then air intake efficiency is improved, but water droplets blown off the hand can be admitted through the air inlet port into the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member acts as a mediator that allows the air inlet port to remain in the optimal rearward position for air intake efficiency while blocking water droplets from entering the casing. The gasket creates a selective barrier that permits air flow while preventing water intrusion at the connection interface between the cover and intake air pathway body.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is segmented into removable cover and base portions, with the intake air pathway body fixed to the cover. This segmentation allows the air inlet port to be positioned on the cover for efficient air intake, while the waterproof connection between the removable cover and the fixed intake air pathway body prevents water entry, separating the air intake function from water protection requirements.
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 configuration effectively prevents water from entering the casing, even when the cover is removed, by directing water droplets away from the intake air pathway and using a gasket to seal potential gaps, thus maintaining the apparatus' internal dryness and reducing noise transmission.
Implementation Method 1
using a gasket to seal the gap between the cover and the intake air pathway body
Implementation Method 2
a fan that is housed in the casing and generates an airflow directed from the air inlet port toward the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
blows a high-speed airflow discharged through a nozzle toward a hand to blow off water droplets clinging to the hand
Data Source
AI summary
A hand dryer apparatus includes: a casing having an air inlet port that admits air and a nozzle that discharges the air admitted through the air inlet port; a fan that is housed in the casing and generates an airflow directed from the air inlet port toward the nozzle; and an intake air pathway body placed in the casing and forming an intake air pathway extending from the air inlet port toward the fan. The casing includes a base supporting the fan and a cover having the air inlet port and removable from the base. The intake air pathway body is fixed on the cover.