Improved drying apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tumble drying processes are energy-inefficient, requiring high temperatures and long durations, which leads to increased energy consumption and fabric damage due to creasing, while also being less efficient than washing processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a rotatably mounted cylindrical drum with solid or perforated side walls, equipped with capturing and transferring means to facilitate the use of solid particulate material for drying, allowing for efficient mechanical interaction and collection of the material for reuse, reducing energy consumption and fabric damage by optimizing mechanical action and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tumble drying processes use high temperatures and prolonged treatment, then drying effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high (conventional) to low (near ambient or mildly heated), and modifies the humidity parameter by introducing desiccant material that actively absorbs moisture. This parameter transformation allows effective drying without high energy input for heating
Solution Approach 2:
A desiccant material (intermediary substance) is introduced into the drying chamber to facilitate moisture removal. The desiccant acts as a mediator between the wet substrate and the ambient air, absorbing moisture from the substrate and releasing it to the air, enabling drying at low temperatures
2Reliability
If conventional tumble drying uses high temperatures for prolonged periods, then drying performance is improved, but fabric damage due to creasing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the temperature parameter from high to low, and changes the drying mechanism from thermal evaporation to desiccant absorption. This eliminates the harmful thermal effects that cause fabric creasing while maintaining drying effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant material is periodically regenerated by exposing it to ambient air or mild heating, allowing it to be reused. This periodic regeneration cycle enables continuous drying operations without sustained high temperatures that would damage fabric
3Use of energy by moving object
If solid particulate material is used for drying, then mechanical interaction is optimized and energy consumption is reduced, but removal and collection of particles becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant material serves as an intermediary that naturally separates from the substrate through gravity and air flow. Its physical properties (size, shape, density) are optimized to facilitate easy removal through screens or filters without complex collection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant material is designed to be easily discarded after use or recovered through simple filtration and regeneration processes. The system incorporates screens or filters that automatically separate particles from dried fabric, simplifying the recovery 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 solution achieves efficient drying at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and fabric creasing, while enabling the reuse of solid particulate material, thereby enhancing drying performance and promoting fabric care.
Implementation Method 1
optimise mechanical interaction between said particles and substrates
Implementation Method 2
drying of substrates, most particularly textile fibres and fabrics, using solid particulate material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the drying of substrates using a solid particulate material, the apparatus comprising: (a) housing means having mounted therein a rotatably mounted cylindrical drum; (b) access means; and (c) at least one collection means, wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical drum additionally comprises capturing and transferring means, adapted to facilitate collection of the solid particulate material and transfer of the material to the at least one collection means. The invention also provides a method for drying a wet substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate material at ambient or elevated temperature, the treatment being carried out using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus and method find particular application in the drying of wet textile fabrics.