Shoe Dryer Platform for Sole and Outer Surface Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe dryers are designed to dry the inside of shoes only and cannot effectively dry or clean the outer surfaces, which limits their utility in maintaining clean and safe walking surfaces on marble and tiled floors, especially in public buildings.
Innovation Solution
A shoe dryer with a hollow case and latticed platform that vents hot air onto the soles and outer surfaces of shoes, accompanied by a tray for collecting meltwater, and equipped with motion sensors to activate the heating and air flow when shoes are placed on it, allowing for simultaneous drying and water removal from the outer surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shoe dryers are used, then the inside of shoes can be dried, but the outer surfaces and soles cannot be effectively dried or cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe dryer is divided into distinct functional zones: a first blowing assembly with first air outlet holes for the inner cavity, a second blowing assembly with second air outlet holes for the outer surface, and a third blowing assembly with third air outlet holes for the sole. This segmentation allows each zone to be dried independently and effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe dryer integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can dry the inner cavity, outer surface, and sole simultaneously; it can also heat and melt ice/snow on soles. The controller coordinates multiple blowing assemblies and heating elements to achieve comprehensive shoe care in one operation.
2Reliability
If hot air is vented onto shoe surfaces, then drying and de-icing effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller manages the operation of blowing assemblies and heating elements in coordinated cycles. The system activates components based on detected needs (inner cavity drying, outer surface drying, sole de-icing) and can switch between different operational modes, avoiding continuous full-power operation and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Heating elements are positioned specifically where needed: within the first air outlet holes for inner cavity heating, within the second air outlet holes for outer surface heating, and within the third air outlet holes for sole heating. This localized heating approach concentrates energy where it is most needed, improving efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a latticed platform with multiple air venting means is used, then outer surface and sole drying is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into distinct functional modules: the hollow case housing, the latticed platform with different types of holes, multiple blowing assemblies, multiple heating elements, and a collection tray. This modular segmentation makes the complex device easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing assemblies and heating elements are nested within the hollow case structure. The first, second, and third blowing assemblies are positioned within the case, with their respective air outlet holes formed in the case walls. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated structure.
4Ease of operation
If motion sensors and automated control are added, then user convenience and safety improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe dryer automatically detects when shoes are placed on the platform using motion sensors or weight detection, and automatically activates the appropriate blowing assemblies and heating elements without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting its own operational need and initiating the drying or de-icing process automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the operational state of the shoe dryer and adjusts the operation of blowing assemblies and heating elements based on detected conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal performance while managing energy consumption and can detect when the drying process is complete.
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 effectively dries, cleans, and de-ices shoe soles, reducing the need for water-based cleaning and enhancing safety on slippery floors by drying and removing water, snow, and ice from shoe surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
means of heating the air vented from the outside
Implementation Method 2
means of pumping the heated air into the case
Implementation Method 3
motion sensors which are able to detect shoes stepping onto the platform
Implementation Method 4
hot air is vented onto the soles of the shoes through the lattice cells
Implementation Method 5
drying the soles and outer surface of the shoes
Implementation Method 6
a tray for collecting meltwater provided under the platform wherein the meltwater is discharged outside via a hose
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe dryer includes a working surface for drying shoes, with holes in communication with air venting means, and is characterized in that the dryer further comprises a hollow plastic case with hemispherical recesses provided for placing shoes while stepping onto the working surface, which is a latticed platform. Hot or warm air is vented from the bottom of the device onto the soles of the shoes through the lattice, and horizontal slits are provided over the entire bottom part of the hemispherical recesses for venting warm air onto the outer surface of the shoes. A tray for collecting meltwater under the platform. The meltwater is discharged either into the sewer system or outside, and the dryer further comprising means of heating the air vented from the outside, means of pumping the heated air into the case, and motion sensors which are able to detect shoes stepping onto the platform.