Rotatable Foot Pad Drying Apparatus to Reduce Water and Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drying methods, such as towel drying, are inefficient and resource-intensive, leading to inadequate drying, especially in areas like gyms and hotels, and contribute to high water consumption and energy use.
Innovation Solution
A drying apparatus with a rotatable foot pad and airflow system that uses air inlets and flow generators to direct airflow for efficient drying of the body, reducing reliance on towels and minimizing water and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If towel drying is used, then drying effectiveness is improved, but water consumption and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical towel drying system with a pneumatic air drying system. Flow generators create airflow that passes through porous foot pads to dry feet, eliminating the need for towels and associated water consumption for laundry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by generating controlled airflow through flow generators and directing it through porous foot pads. The airflow mechanically removes moisture from the feet without requiring water for towel cleaning or laundry
2Reliability
If towel drying is used, then drying effectiveness is improved, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the energy-intensive towel drying and laundry system with a low-energy pneumatic drying system. The flow generators consume minimal energy compared to washing machines and dryers, significantly reducing overall energy expenditure
Solution Approach 2:
The porous foot pads enable self-drying through passive airflow. The structure allows moisture to be removed naturally through the porous material without requiring additional energy input for heating or mechanical agitation
3Device complexity
If conventional drying methods are used, then drying process is simple, but drying effectiveness in hard-to-dry areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using porous foot pads specifically designed for the feet area. The porous structure provides targeted moisture removal where it is most needed, improving drying effectiveness in hard-to-dry areas while maintaining overall process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes porous foot pads as the core drying mechanism. The porous material allows airflow penetration and moisture absorption, providing effective drying for feet and hard-to-reach areas without complicating the overall drying process
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 apparatus provides effective and efficient drying of the body, particularly hard-to-dry areas like the feet, while reducing water consumption and energy expenditure, promoting better hygiene and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a flow generator to receive inlet air from the air inlet and generate an airflow to the top surface of the foot pad
Implementation Method 2
Drying of this moisture is important to a person's health in order to prevent bacterial and fungal growth
Implementation Method 3
a rotatable foot pad located on the lower part of the body to dry a user's feet
Data Source
AI summary
A drying apparatus includes a body and a rotatable foot pad located on the lower part of the body to dry a user's feet. An air inlet is provided, and a flow generator to receive inlet air from the air inlet and generate an airflow to the top surface of the foot pad.