MEMS-Based Drying Device to Reduce Noise and Energy Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying devices, such as hair dryers and hand dryers, face challenges with size, noise, and energy consumption due to the use of large fans for airflow generation.

Innovation Solution

The use of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device with vibrating members to generate airflow, which is quieter and more compact than traditional fans, thereby reducing noise and energy consumption while maintaining effective drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a fan is used to generate airflow in a drying device, then sufficient airflow can be achieved, but the device size increases to house the fan

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fan system with an acoustic field-based airflow generation system. Sound waves (acoustic energy) are used to directly generate airflow through acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming effects, eliminating the need for mechanical rotating components and reducing device size significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of air molecules using acoustic energy. By introducing sound waves with specific frequencies and intensities, the air molecules are set into oscillation and movement, transforming static air into flowing air without mechanical contact, thus enabling compact device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If a fan is used to generate airflow in a drying device, then sufficient airflow can be achieved, but noise increases due to motor operation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical motor and fan blade system that generates noise by replacing it with an acoustic field-based system. The airflow is generated through sound wave propagation and acoustic radiation pressure, which operates silently without mechanical friction, vibration, or motor noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If a larger fan is used to generate sufficient airflow, then drying effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive mechanical fan system with an acoustic field-based system. Instead of converting electrical energy to mechanical rotation to move air, the system uses acoustic energy (sound waves) to directly induce air molecule oscillation and flow, which is more energy-efficient for generating the required airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If a fan is used to generate airflow, then drying function is achieved, but rotational inertia creates undesired forces affecting user comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoidrotational forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the rotating fan mechanism that creates rotational inertia and unwanted forces. By using acoustic waves to generate airflow, the system achieves air movement without any rotating components, thereby eliminating centrifugal forces, vibration, and imbalance issues associated with mechanical fans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 MEMS-based drying device achieves equivalent or improved drying performance with reduced noise and energy usage, providing a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

Implementation Method 1

a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device having at least one vibrating member, the at least one MEMS device configured to generate a flow of air along an airflow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a heat source in thermal communication with the at least one MEMS device, such that heat generated by the heat source is transferred to the flow of air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4537701A1Drying device

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a drying device (100) comprising at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device (102) having at least one vibrating member, the at least one MEMS device configured to generate a flow of air along an airflow path for drying an object; a housing (104) configured to at least partially house the at least one MEMS device; and an air outlet (106) formed in the housing, the air outlet configured to direct the flow of air away from the at least one MEMS device.