UV-C Glove Dryer for Moisture, Salt, and Bacteria Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional glove dryers fail to effectively reduce moisture and contaminants, such as salt and bacteria, within leather gloves, leading to stiffening and eventual tearing of the leather, especially in expensive kendo gloves.
Innovation Solution
A glove dryer with a main member featuring apertures for air pressure or vacuum and a UV-C light source that allows UV-C radiation to pass through, combined with a spray source for breaking down salt and deodorizing, to dry and disinfect the gloves while maintaining their natural shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional glove dryers are used to evaporate moisture, then moisture reduction is achieved, but salt and bacteria remain inside the glove causing leather to become stiff and brittle
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is segmented into multiple independent functions: moisture evaporation, salt removal, and bacterial disinfection. Each function is handled by a separate mechanism (heating, vacuum/spray, and UV-C light respectively), allowing comprehensive treatment without relying on a single multi-functional system.
Solution Approach 2:
UV-C light serves as an intermediary agent that penetrates the glove material to disinfect internal surfaces without requiring direct contact with the glove interior. The light acts as a mediator that delivers disinfection function through the existing glove structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If moisture is evaporated using traditional dryers, then drying is achieved, but the leather structure deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the drying process by using controlled heating combined with vacuum or spray mechanisms, and follows up with UV-C treatment. This multi-parameter approach achieves thorough drying while preventing the leather degradation that occurs with traditional single-method drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-C disinfection and salt removal processes are applied as preliminary actions after moisture evaporation, addressing the root causes of leather deterioration before they can cause damage. This sequential preliminary treatment prevents subsequent stiffening and brittleness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-C light is applied to disinfect the glove interior, then bacterial reduction is achieved, but the light source must be positioned inside the glove
Solution Approach 1:
The glove material itself acts as an intermediary that allows UV-C light to penetrate through it. By positioning the light source on the exterior and utilizing the permeable properties of the glove material, the system eliminates the complexity of internal light source installation while still achieving internal disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical approach of inserting physical components inside the glove is replaced with a non-mechanical UV-C light transmission system. The light energy substitutes for physical presence, achieving disinfection without requiring internal hardware installation.
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 reduces moisture and contaminants, preventing leather stiffening and tearing, while disinfecting and deodorizing the gloves, thus extending their lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A UV-C light is coupled to the exterior surface of the member to apply UV-C radiation to the inside of the garment
Implementation Method 2
Traditional grove dryers only evaporate moisture that is trapped inside the glove
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for drying gloves is provided, including a main member, at least one light source, and at least one air source. The main member includes an outer surface configured for receiving a glove, and a plurality of apertures disposed along the outer surface. The light source emits a UV-C light, and the air source blows air. The UV-C light from the light source and air from the air source can at least partially pass through the outer surface. The apertures are in communication with at least the air source.