Method and Apparatus for Drying Gloves and Other Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf gloves and other equipment often become damp and slippery due to environmental conditions, leading to loss of grip, increased risk of injury or damage, and potential fungal or bacterial growth, with no effective and cost-efficient solution for drying them during play.
Innovation Solution
A portable, rechargeable dryer apparatus with a high static pressure fan and modular housing that can be mounted in a golf cart or attached to a golf bag, using solar energy or other power sources, and featuring a flexible loop to enhance drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a golfer carries multiple spare gloves to replace damp gloves, then grip reliability is maintained, but cost and convenience deteriorate due to expense and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The drying apparatus enables the golf glove to dry itself through self-contained heating and air circulation systems, eliminating the need for external drying services or multiple replacement gloves. The glove is placed in the apparatus which automatically activates heating elements and fans to evaporate and remove moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through heating elements that raise the temperature of the damp glove, causing moisture to evaporate. The heated water vapor is then circulated and vented outside, effectively removing moisture from the glove material.
2Productivity
If a high-power fan is used to dry gloves quickly, then drying speed improves, but noise level increases and disturbs players
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs variable-speed fan controls that allow adjustment of air circulation intensity based on drying stage and environmental conditions. During early drying phases, higher fan speeds accelerate moisture removal, while during later stages or in quiet periods, speeds are reduced to minimize noise while maintaining drying effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying process utilizes periodic cycles of high-speed fan operation interspersed with lower-speed phases. The control system activates fans at high speed during periods when noise is less disruptive (e.g., between rounds or when cart is stationary), and reduces speed during active play to maintain golf course ambiance.
3Ease of operation
If a portable drying apparatus is mounted in a golf cart, then drying convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drying apparatus is designed with universal mounting capabilities that accommodate various golf cart models and configurations. The power system integrates with existing golf cart electrical systems, allowing the same apparatus to be installed across different vehicle types without requiring custom modifications for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into modular components including separate mounting brackets, power connection interfaces, and housing sections. This segmentation allows for simplified installation where each module can be independently attached to the golf cart, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining full functionality.
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 dryer apparatus efficiently dries golf gloves and other equipment quickly and quietly, reducing the need for multiple gloves, minimizing fungal and bacterial risks, and providing a cost-effective solution for maintaining grip and hygiene during play.
Implementation Method 1
Air is caused to move through said glove by said fan, thereby causing retained moisture in said glove to dry
Data Source
AI summary
A portable glove drying apparatus having a housing defining an inner chamber containing a fan and power source, as well as a sized outlet for receiving a golf glove. A flexible but resilient loop is disposed across the sized outlet and can be inserted in a golf glove to support and expand the golf glove from its inside. The fan can generate air flow that is directed into a base opening of the glove and out of ventilation holes of the golf glove. The air flow acts to improve evaporation of moisture contained on or in the golf glove and thereby promotes rapid drying of the golf glove.