Through-Surface Hand Drying Spout to Prevent Water Dripping and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand drying solutions in washrooms, such as wall-mounted dryers and high-speed hand dryers, are cumbersome, noisy, and require users to move, leading to water dripping on surfaces, and there is a need for a more convenient and quieter hand drying apparatus that can be easily installed in existing setups.
Innovation Solution
An automatic air dispensing apparatus mounted on a sink or counter, equipped with an infrared sensor, motor-driven fan, and optional features like air filtering and fragrance dispensing, which can be configured for hot and cold air, and integrated with automatic faucets for coordinated water and air delivery, allowing for hands-free drying without the need for user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall-mounted hand dryers are installed, then hand drying function is provided, but users must move from sink to dryer causing water to drip on counter or floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hand drying function directly with the sink by mounting the dryer within or adjacent to the sink structure, allowing users to dry hands in place without moving to a separate wall-mounted unit, thereby preventing water drips on the counter or floor
Solution Approach 2:
The sink serves as an intermediary structure that integrates both the water faucet and hand dryer functions, mediating between the water source and the drying function to eliminate the need for user movement and associated water spillage
2Productivity
If high speed automatic hand dryers are installed, then drying speed is improved, but the devices are cumbersome and extremely noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The hand dryer is segmented into compact modular components that can be integrated within the sink structure, reducing the overall footprint and eliminating the need for large floor-standing or wall-mounted units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining drying function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a centrifugal fan that provides sufficient airflow for effective hand drying without requiring excessive power or creating extreme noise levels, achieving adequate drying performance with a more balanced, less aggressive airflow approach
3Productivity
If high speed automatic hand dryers are installed, then drying speed is improved, but the devices are extremely noisy particularly in enclosed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal fan is designed to provide adequate airflow for effective hand drying without operating at excessive speeds that would generate extreme noise, achieving a balance between drying performance and noise control suitable for enclosed washroom spaces
4Ease of operation
If wall-mounted or high speed dryers are installed, then hand drying is provided, but installation in existing washrooms is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hand dryer is merged with the sink as an integrated assembly, allowing the entire unit to be installed as a single component or pre-assembled module, thereby simplifying installation in existing washrooms compared to separate wall-mounted dryers that require additional mounting infrastructure
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
Provides a robust, quiet, and convenient hands-free hand drying solution that can be easily installed in existing washrooms, preventing water drips and reducing noise, while allowing for customizable air delivery and integration with existing plumbing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-driven fan operable for forcing air intake through the outlet of the spout assembly
Implementation Method 2
an infrared sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for automatically dispensing air, for example, for hand drying, through either a dedicated air only spout (side mount embodiment) or through a multi-use spout configured for dispensing water, soap and/or air. The air drying module, which is typically positioned below a counter, can be modified according to the system needs to operate with hot and/or cold air and to optionally include a filter and/or fragrance dispenser.