Hot-air fan and method for operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated handheld hot-air fans face challenges in achieving efficient energy conversion due to limited power supply compared to cable-operated models, necessitating innovative methods to quickly reach operating temperatures while minimizing cooling and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control unit manages the fan device to generate a reduced starting air flow initially, which is gradually increased to an operating air flow once a threshold temperature or time is reached, allowing for efficient heating and reduced cooling of the heating coils, optimizing power usage in battery-operated handheld hot-air fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fan device generates full operating air flow immediately when switched on, then the heating device is cooled effectively, but the heating coils experience excessive cooling that delays reaching operating temperature and increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates a preliminary phase where the fan device operates at reduced power before full heating operation begins. This preliminary action allows the heating coils to reach operating temperature without excessive cooling from full-strength air flow, thereby reducing the time and energy required to achieve operational temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fan device power output based on the heating phase. During the preliminary heating phase, fan power is reduced to minimize cooling of the heating coils. Once operating temperature is reached, the fan transitions to full power to provide adequate cooling and air flow for normal operation.
2Loss of time
If the fan device operates at reduced power during starting phase, then the heating device reaches operating temperature faster, but the air flow generation is initially limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a preliminary phase where the fan device operates at reduced power to minimize cooling of the heating coils during the warming-up period. This preliminary action reduces the time required to reach operating temperature. After the warming-up phase, the fan transitions to full power to ensure adequate air flow for productive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by dividing operation into distinct phases: an initial preliminary phase with reduced fan power for rapid heating, followed by a full-power phase for productive air flow generation. This periodic structure optimizes both warming-up time and operational productivity at different time intervals.
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 approach enables rapid and energy-efficient achievement of operating temperatures in battery-operated handheld hot-air fans, reducing power consumption and preventing overheating, even with reduced power supply outputs.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating the air flow
Implementation Method 2
a fan device for generating an air flow... ambient air is sucked in by means of a fan device... and then blown out to the work space through an outlet tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hot-air fan including a fan device for generating an air flow, a heating device for heating the air flow, and a control unit connected to the fan device and to the heating device. In this process, the control unit is designed to control the fan device in such a manner that, when the heating device is switched on, the fan device generates a starting air flow that is reduced to an operating air flow. The invention also relates to a method for operating the hot-air fan, including the steps of switching on the heating device and generating a starting air flow that is reduced to an operating air flow.