Dyson's next big innovation might be a hairdryer.
A silent hairdryer.
Six patent filings spotted by the Telegraph appear to comprise conceptual plans for a device which could be as powerful as a normal hairdryer - but produce much less noise.
Traditional hairdryers can produce up to 70 decibels of noise when in operation. Dyson's new model appears to use some complex ideas to vastly dampen that racket. It's always difficult to read patents for specifics on how products might work, but it appears to involve a series of ducts in the handle which can increase airflow, without using as powerful a motor.
The product would also incorporate materials designed to reduce vibration, as well as soundproofing, to boost the noise reduction.
One of the patent applications reads:
"Traditional hairdryers are essentially an open tube with a fan for drawing fluid into the tube. This makes them noisy unless a big slow fan is used, but then a big motor is required which increases weight. The provision of a long fluid flow path through the body and ducting arrangement reduces the noise produced."
However the Telegraph also notes that patent applications rarely mean that a product is ready to come to market. Many products and ideas patented by tech companies never make it to the consumer. Others come close, but end up as building-blocks which lead to other products.
For more details on the potential for a future of whisper-quiet styling, read the Telegraph report.