Static dryer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying devices for compressed gas suffer from inefficient distribution between drying and regeneration air flows, leading to complex and costly constructions that are difficult to maintain.

Innovation Solution

A drying device with a drying medium segmented into multiple adjacently positioned segments, each associated with complementary concentric elements that allow for optimal distribution of air flows through channels, using a static configuration to simplify construction and maintenance while enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rotation dryer with a cylindrical drying medium is used, then the distribution between drying and regeneration air flows can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drying medium is divided into multiple drying segments (more than six) arranged adjacently, with each segment associated with openings in concentric elements. This segmentation allows optimized distribution of drying and regeneration air flows through selective opening configurations, achieving efficient drying while maintaining a simpler static structure compared to rotating cylindrical designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating the drying medium as in conventional rotation dryers, the patent inverts the approach by making the drying medium static and using rotatable concentric elements with openings to achieve the necessary airflow distribution. This inversion simplifies the overall construction while maintaining drying effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If traditional connecting methods for drying drum and air distributing element are used, then air flow distribution is achieved, but maintenance difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow distribution efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting ends are divided into first and second complementary concentric elements that can be independently configured and maintained. Each element has openings that can be selectively positioned to control airflow distribution, allowing for simplified maintenance and replacement of individual components rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The concentric elements are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment of the opening configurations to optimize airflow distribution between drying and regeneration modes. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple rotational movement rather than complex mechanical connections, improving maintainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution optimizes the ratio of drying and regeneration air flows, resulting in a more efficient, cheaper, and easier-to-maintain drying device with improved airflow distribution and reduced component wear.

Implementation Method 1

a drying medium (2) with a predetermined number (>6) of drying segments (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

heating elements for heating the adsorbing medium during regeneration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3983728B1Static dryer
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER NV
  • EP3983728B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3983728B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3983728B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Drying device (1) comprising a drying medium (2) with a predetermined number of drying segments (3a, 3b,... 3f) which extend adjacently of each other and are associated with at least one opening (8) at each of a first connecting end (4) and a second connecting end (5), wherein the predetermined number is greater than six and wherein each connecting end comprises first and second complementary concentric elements which are rotatable relative to each other round an axis (9), wherein the openings are provided in the first concentric elements along a rotation ring around the axis, wherein the second concentric elements each delimit at least two channels (10A, 10B) which open at the position of said rotation ring, so that corresponding channels of the first and second connecting end are connected to each other via the openings and the drying segments in order to allow a first airflow and a second airflow through the drying device.