Separated DC Power Hair Dryer for Lower Weight and Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hairdryers are heavy and difficult to handle due to the weight of power supplies and ancillary devices required for brushless motors, which are not adequately addressed by current designs.
Innovation Solution
A digitally controlled hair dryer with a high-performance brushless motor that separates the DC power source from the hair dryer body, using AC for the heating element and DC for the motor, and features adjustable attachments like an oscillating nozzle and curling diffuser, which are powered and controlled via an option button for improved airflow and styling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a brushless motor is used in the hair dryer, then motor performance and efficiency are improved, but the device weight increases due to the power supply and ancillary devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two separate parts: a DC power source housed in a separate bag and a rechargeable battery pack integrated into the hair dryer body. This segmentation allows the heavy DC power source to be carried separately, reducing the weight of the actual drying device while maintaining the capability to power the brushless motor when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC power source is extracted from the hair dryer body and placed in a separate portable bag. This extraction removes the primary source of weight from the moving device, allowing users to carry only the lightweight hair dryer body during use and attach the power source only when additional power is needed for the brushless motor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple powered accessories are added to enhance styling capabilities, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment system where a single motorized attachment can perform multiple functions. The motorized attachment includes an oscillating mechanism that can be used with different nozzle configurations (concentration nozzle, diffuser, etc.), allowing one powered component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a universal adapter as an intermediary component that connects the powered attachment to the hair dryer outlet. This adapter serves as a mediator between the fixed hair dryer body and various removable nozzles/attachments, enabling the powered features to work with multiple accessory types without requiring separate powered versions of each accessory.
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 results in a lightweight and ergonomic hair dryer that reduces user fatigue, providing precise control over airspeed, temperature, and accessory functions, enhancing styling capabilities while minimizing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is AC-powered and the brushless motor is powered by DC
Implementation Method 2
The hair dryer uses a high-performance brushless motor that moves air across a heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
A digitally controlled hairdryer has removable attachments that are used to style hair. The hairdryer is powered with AC and DC power, with the DC power supply being separate from the main body. The removable attachments are powered and controlled by the hairdryer. The oscillating attachment has a motor that moves an oscillating portion to direct airflow from the outlet of the hairdryer. The diffuser attachment has a motor that is connected to a slider that moves along a central axis. The slider moves wire fingers between a grasped and relaxed position. The ends of the fingers are connected to a blocking membrane that directs airflow through an outlet aperture that is small in the grasped position and large in the relaxed position.