Temperature adjustment device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature adjustment devices struggle to gradually change the temperature of a load to a target temperature, necessitating complex operations like stepwise adjustments and frequent resets.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment device with a circulating liquid circuit, heating and cooling units, and a controller that calculates a time-dependent set temperature gradient to control the output of heating and cooling units, allowing gradual temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hair dryer is used, then hair drying function is provided, but head and neck discomfort occurs due to improper temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature adjustment by detecting the user's head and neck temperature during hair drying and automatically adjusting the heater power in real-time. The system transitions from static temperature control to dynamic adaptive control, ensuring comfortable temperature throughout the hair drying process without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a temperature detection unit that continuously monitors the user's head and neck temperature and feeds this information back to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust heating parameters based on actual thermal conditions, preventing overheating and discomfort while maintaining effective hair drying.
2Productivity
If high power heater is used for rapid hair drying, then drying speed improves, but temperature becomes too high causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heater power based on real-time temperature feedback. When the detected temperature indicates comfort, the system maintains higher power for efficient drying; when temperature approaches uncomfortable levels, power is automatically reduced. This dynamic balancing enables both rapid drying and comfortable temperature experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameter (power output) based on detected temperature conditions. The control unit adjusts the heater power parameter dynamically, transitioning between different power levels to maintain optimal drying speed while preventing excessive temperature that would cause discomfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature detection unit is added to control heater power, then temperature control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects head temperature, detects neck temperature, and provides feedback for both comfort control and drying efficiency optimization. By making the temperature detection system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate sensing mechanisms and justifies the added complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of heating parameters based on automatic temperature detection and feedback processing. The control unit autonomously processes temperature data and adjusts heater power without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems, thereby minimizing the operational complexity despite adding detection capabilities.
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
Enables the device to smoothly adjust the load's temperature to a target temperature over time, simplifying the process and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detection unit which detects a temperature of a user's head or neck
Implementation Method 2
a control unit which adjusts power supplied to the heater, based on the detected temperature, so as to control temperature
Implementation Method 3
a dryer for drying hair
Implementation Method 4
a control unit which adjusts power supplied to the heater, based on the detected temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a temperature adjustment device capable of gradually changing the temperature of a load to a target temperature while adjusting the temperature of the load to the target temperature in the middle of temperature adjustment. [Solution] A time-dependent set temperature Tn of a load W is calculated from a target temperature gradient Sa at each (elapsed time) of a plurality of timings within a target reach time period td (S3), and the time-dependent set temperature Tn is compared with a time-dependent measured temperature Tm inputted from a measurement input unit 50 (S5). A control output unit 53 controls a heating unit 3 and a cooling unit 4 based on a result of comparison between the time-dependent set temperature Tn and the time-dependent measured temperature Tm.