Washer Drying Airflow Partition for Faster Uniform Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washer systems for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary, or mortuary instruments require lengthy drying phases, which prolong the overall cleaning process, and existing drying methods are inefficient in terms of air distribution and external air usage.
Innovation Solution
A washer system with a partitioned chamber and a blower assembly that creates a unique air flow pattern, where air is circulated from the upper compartment to the lower compartment through a gap, heated, and then vented, with less than 10% of air coming from external sources, to facilitate rapid and uniform drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional drying methods are used in washer systems, then the drying function is provided, but the drying time is excessively long and air distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The washing chamber is divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment separated by a partition. The partition has a peripheral edge that forms a gap with the chamber walls, creating distinct airflow zones. This segmentation allows optimized air circulation patterns for efficient drying while maintaining functional separation of the compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
A blower assembly is introduced to create controlled air flow through the washing chamber. The blower directs air through the gap between the partition and chamber walls, establishing a circulating airflow pattern that enhances drying efficiency. This pneumatic system replaces passive drying with active air movement.
2Ease of operation
If external air is used for drying, then fresh air is provided, but the drying efficiency is reduced due to excessive external air usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system recirculates air within the washing chamber rather than continuously introducing external air. The blower assembly circulates air through the gap and between compartments, allowing the system to serve its own drying needs internally. This self-service approach reduces dependency on external air supplies and improves energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation system serves multiple functions: it provides drying air, maintains temperature distribution, and facilitates moisture removal. The same blower assembly and gap structure that enable air circulation also support heating distribution and overall chamber atmosphere management, reducing the need for separate systems.
3Productivity
If a partition is introduced to improve air flow, then air distribution is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition creates distinct upper and lower compartments with a gap interface, enabling controlled air flow paths. This segmentation is achieved through a relatively simple structural element that divides the chamber without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of construction while improving airflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the partition peripheral edge and chamber walls acts as an intermediary airflow channel. This gap serves as a passive flow path that mediates air circulation between compartments without requiring active control mechanisms, valves, or complex routing, simplifying the overall system while achieving effective air distribution.
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
This solution reduces the drying time, improves air distribution, and minimizes external air usage, resulting in a more efficient and faster overall cleaning cycle.
Implementation Method 1
A blower assembly is disposed in the upper compartment. The blower assembly is comprised of a housing having a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with the external air inlet line. The outlet fluidly communicates with the upper chamber. An impeller is disposed in the housing. The impeller is operable to circulate air from the lower compartment and the external air inlet line through the air outlet into the upper compartment.
Implementation Method 2
A heating means is disposed in the upper compartment. The heating means heats air in the upper compartment.
Implementation Method 3
The present invention provides a washer having an improved system and method for drying articles in a washer... The air flow path is from the outlet of the blower, through the upper compartment, through the gap between the partition and the side walls, through the lower compartment to the inlet of the blower.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a washer for washing articles. The washer is comprised of a housing defining a chamber. The housing has side walls and a top wall. A partition divides the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment that is dimensioned to receive articles to be washed. The partition has an outer peripheral edge that generally conforms to the side walls of the housing. The partition is dimensioned such that a gap is formed between the edge of the partition and the side walls of the housing. An external air inlet line fluidly communicates with the upper compartment. A blower assembly is disposed in the upper compartment. The blower assembly is comprised of a housing having a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with the external air inlet line. The outlet fluidly communicates with the upper chamber. An impeller is disposed in the housing. The impeller is operable to circulate air from the lower compartment and the air inlet line through the air outlet into the upper compartment. A heating means is disposed in the upper compartment. The heating means heats air in the upper compartment.