Hand Dryer Switch Cover Layout for Tamper-Resistant Settings Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand dryer apparatuses lack secure tamper-proof shielding for switching units, allowing unauthorized access and inefficient settings changes, as the shielding can be easily removed during cleaning and is not secure against mischievous intentions.

Innovation Solution

The hand dryer apparatus incorporates a secure design where the switching units are protected by a removable shielding that requires a tool for access, making it easy for administrators to change settings but difficult for general users, with the use of DIP switches and protective covers that need a dedicated tool for operation, ensuring secure and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shielding unit is provided to protect switching units from unauthorized access, then tamper-proof security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the shielding unit itself becomes difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper-proof securityVSAvoidaccess to switching units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is divided into multiple sections or components that can be selectively removed. The cover protecting the switching units can be removed by users for access, while other protective covers remain in place, allowing segmented access to different functional areas of the hand dryer apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A removable protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the switching units and unauthorized users. This cover provides the necessary protection while allowing authorized access when removed, mediating between security requirements and operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If switching units are placed in a location difficult to recognize, then unauthorized access is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates because administrators cannot easily access the switching units for settings changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from unauthorized accessVSAvoidaccessibility for administrators
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective covers are designed as separate, removable components that can be taken off by administrators when needed for maintenance or settings changes. This segmentation allows the switching units to remain protected during normal use while being easily accessible when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover transitions from a static protective barrier to a dynamic element that can be removed and reinstalled. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt between protected state during operation and accessible state during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures that settings can be easily changed by administrators while preventing unauthorized access, enhancing security and reducing the likelihood of mischievous changes, thus providing a secure and efficient operation of the hand dryer apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a hand dryer apparatus that dries a hand by blowing off water drops attached on the hand with a high pressure airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-pressure airflow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

switch ON/OFF of a heater for producing warm air from a high pressure airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2412284B1Hand dryer
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2412284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2412284B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2412284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hand dryer apparatus 100 includes a high-pressure airflow generator that generates a high pressure airflow, a control circuit that controls the high-pressure airflow generator, a power connecting unit 61 that connects a commercial power source to the control circuit, a main body 1 that forms a hull by housing the high-pressure airflow generator, the control circuit, and the power connecting unit, and nozzles that are formed in the main body and blows out the high pressure airflow created by the high-pressure airflow generator; further includes a panel 59 composing a part of the main body and is detachable by a tool, and switching units 62, 63 that are housed in the main body and can switch a setting of the hand dryer apparatus, and enables access to the power connecting unit and the switching unit by removing the panel.