Hands-Free Hair Dryer With Adjustable Plenum And Duct Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair drying solutions, such as hand-held blow dryers, require manual operation and are inconvenient for drying long hair quickly, while waiting for hair to air dry is time-consuming, and relying on another person is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free hair dryer assembly that is invertible, adjustable to different heights, and equipped with a concave housing, air inlets, an electrical fan, airflow distribution plenum, and control features for power, heat, and airflow speed, allowing for hands-free operation and customizable drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hand-held blow dryer is used, then hair can be dried quickly, but the user must use at least one hand to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The blow dryer is designed to be placed on a surface and operates autonomously without requiring manual holding or operation. The device self-regulates airflow and heating functions through automated controls, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention while maintaining effective hair drying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of holding and directing a traditional blow dryer is replaced by an automated system with sensors, control circuits, and adjustable components that automatically position and operate the drying apparatus, substituting human mechanical control with an automated mechanical-electrical system.
2Ease of operation
If hair is allowed to air dry, then no manual operation is required, but it takes a long time for hair to dry
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes pneumatic systems with high-velocity airflows generated by powerful fans to rapidly remove moisture from hair. The controlled air circulation and pressure differential created by the pneumatic system accelerate the evaporation and removal process, reducing drying time significantly compared to passive air drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including airflow velocity, temperature, and humidity control to optimize drying efficiency. By varying these physical parameters according to detected hair moisture levels and environmental conditions, the device achieves rapid drying while maintaining hair quality, overcoming the time limitation of conventional air drying.
3Ease of operation
If another person dries hair, then hands-free operation is achieved, but another person must be available
Solution Approach 1:
The blow dryer system is designed as a self-sufficient apparatus that performs all drying functions autonomously without requiring another person's presence or assistance. The integrated controls, sensors, and automated adjustments enable the device to independently manage the entire drying process, ensuring user independence and availability at any time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple functions including heating, airflow generation, moisture detection, and automated adjustment within a single unified system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for another person who would otherwise need to perform multiple manual tasks, making the system universally applicable and independent.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the open top portion dimensions are fixed, then the housing structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various hair lengths and types
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can change configuration based on usage requirements. The open top portion dimensions are made variable through telescopic or extendable mechanisms, allowing the structure to adapt to different hair lengths and styling needs while maintaining a relatively simple base design that can be modified as needed.
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
Enables efficient, hands-free hair drying with reduced strain and improved results by directing airflow effectively, accommodating various hair lengths and types, and providing faster drying with reduced frizz and increased hair volume.
Implementation Method 1
At least one electrical fan assembly is designed to heat and blow air drawn through the at least one air inlet
Implementation Method 2
An airflow distribution plenum is disposed within the concave housing assembly and designed to direct heated air out the open top portion
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of protruding duct members is disposed within the concave housing assembly designed to broaden the airflow distribution and change the speed of the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A hands-free hair dryer assembly that has a concave housing assembly with an open top portion, at least one side surface, and a bottom portion having a bottom exterior surface. At least one air inlet is disposed through the bottom surface or the at least one side surface. At least one electrical fan assembly heats and blows air drawn through the at least one air inlet. An airflow distribution plenum directs heated air out the open top portion. A plurality of removable, protruding duct members disposed within the concave housing assembly broadens the airflow distribution and changes the speed of the airflow. The housing portions may be divided into two parts so that the hands-free hair dryer can be at least partly extended or retracted to change the dimensions of the open top portion.