Automatic hand dryers have today become an essential feature of virtually every well-maintained and well-designed commercial washroom. The designs for these ubiquitous devices have come a long way from the first hand-operated warm air dryers introduced decades ago as the trendy alternative to the standard paper or cotton roll towels.
The latest evolution in design eschews both hand operation and warm air, and research has shown that this approach results in the most hygienic, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient solution to wet hands.
The Components of an Automatic Hand Dryer
The slew of advances in hand drying technology has resulted in a variety of futuristic designs that can enhance the modern look of any washroom. Brands like Mitsubishi, Dyson, Warner Howard, American Dryer, QBIC etc. deliver the widest choice of dryers designs. However, despite the differences in the exterior, the internal workings of these devices are deceptively similar.
An automatic hand dryer has to incorporate the following basic elements:
- A sensor - this allows the unit to detect when a hand has been placed in the right area to be dried. The sensor may use microwaves, ultrasonic waves, infrared light or photo-sensitive elements to achieve this. The sensor may also control when operation ceases, although this is generally left to a timing device.
- A heating element - obviously only a component of warm-air dryers, the heating element is usually composed of a material called Nichrome, which is a combination of nickel and chromium. The heating element heats the ambient air to around fifty degrees above room temperature. This heat helps evaporate water.
- An air pump - this component pushes air at high speed over the drying area. The flow of air assists in pushing water droplets off the hand and evaporating them. The latest designs incorporate silent systems that enhance the user experience.
- A timer – this electronic device switches the unit off after a preset duration to save energy.
The Latest Hand Dryers
Hand dryers had a rather uneventful journey in the first years after their inception; designs and the incorporated technology remained largely the same. In the past few years, however, major companies have invested a significant amount of time and money in developing the next generation of hand dryers. Part of the impetus for this change of direction has been the push to go green.
The blade design of hand dryers is currently considered the pinnacle of innovation in the field for the energy-efficiency, silence and effectiveness its design affords the user. Moreover, they can be used by people of all statures and individuals of all ages.
