Medical Equipment Drying Device with Supply Orb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying CPAP equipment are time-consuming and do not ensure thorough drying, potentially introducing new organisms and causing premature equipment degradation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a dryer with an on/off switch, digital display, and adjustable timer, coupled with a stackable supply orb that uses a continuous flow of warm or hot air to facilitate drying, creating irrotational and rotational gas flows for efficient drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If CPAP equipment is dried by hanging in open air away from direct sunlight, then UV-degradation of materials is minimized, but drying time is too long and drying is not thorough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing a heating element that raises the drying chamber temperature to approximately 40-60°C, significantly accelerating the evaporation rate and reducing drying time from hours to minutes while maintaining thorough drying effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fan to create forced air circulation within the drying chamber, enhancing heat transfer and moisture evaporation from the CPAP equipment surfaces, thereby reducing drying time without compromising drying thoroughness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If CPAP equipment is dried in open air, then equipment degradation is minimized, but new organisms may be introduced onto the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled enclosed drying chamber that isolates the CPAP equipment from the external environment during the drying process, preventing contamination from air-borne organisms while maintaining effective drying through heated air circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The fan-generated air circulation within the enclosed chamber provides controlled airflow that removes moisture without introducing external contaminants, achieving thorough drying while maintaining a sterile environment
3Productivity
If a drying device with heated air circulation is used, then drying time is reduced and drying effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element, fan, and drying chamber into a single integrated unit that can be easily attached to or detached from the CPAP equipment, achieving fast and thorough drying while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration
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 device significantly reduces drying time, ensures thorough drying, and prevents bacterial growth, while being convenient for personal and institutional use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one supply orb for holding at least one piece of equipment being dried by using a continuous flow of warm or hot air
Implementation Method 2
The orb comprises a configuration conducive to therein generating at least one gas flow, such as at least one irrotational flow and at least one rotational flow, i.e., at least one gaseous vortex, for facilitating drying of the medical equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A device and corresponding methods for drying medical equipment involving a dryer for drying the medical equipment; and a supply orb having a body and a cavity within the body for holding, ventilating, and storing the medical equipment, the at least one supply orb being mechanically coupled to the dryer for operation and being mechanically decoupled from the dryer during non-operation. The supply orb having a ventilation feature and a configuration conducive to creating a combined irrotational and rotational gas flow therein.