Adjustable Iron Holder for Secure Multi-Directional Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iron holders are inadequate for storing irons in small spaces, as they often require inconvenient handling, fail to secure the iron on movable surfaces, and are not adaptable to different iron sizes or shapes, posing safety risks and usability issues for both left and right-handed users.

Innovation Solution

An iron holder with a base plate and adjustable holding means featuring indentations for attaching side and rear holders, a rail for the iron tip, and a spring mechanism to secure the iron in all directions, ensuring the heating surface remains covered and adaptable to various iron sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a support arm is inserted into the iron handle to hold the iron, then the iron can be held securely, but the handle is occupied and inconvenient for user gripping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiron holding securityVSAvoidhandle accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is extracted from the iron handle itself and transferred to a separate base plate with holding means. The holding means comprises a rail for the iron tip and side holders that grip the iron body, completely separating the support function from the handle, thereby maintaining full handle accessibility for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A base plate with holding means serves as an intermediary device between the mounting surface and the iron. Instead of directly inserting into the handle, the holding means uses a rail system and side holders that engage with the iron's body and tip, providing secure holding without occupying the handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the iron holder is mounted on a movable surface, then it can be positioned flexibly, but the iron can fall off in the direction the support arm is directed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position flexibilityVSAvoidiron retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is segmented into multiple independent components: a rail for the iron tip holder and separate side holders for the iron body. This segmentation allows each component to independently prevent movement in specific directions, collectively securing the iron against falling in any direction even on movable surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means features asymmetric engagement where the rail fits into the iron tip holder's recess and the side holders grip the iron body at different positions. This asymmetric design creates multi-directional constraints that prevent the iron from slipping in any direction, addressing the instability issue on movable surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the iron holder fixates the removal direction, then it provides stable holding, but it becomes inconvenient for both right and left handed users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding stabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means provides stable holding during storage but enables dynamic, multi-directional removal. The rail and side holders maintain firm engagement when the iron is stationary, but allow smooth extraction in any horizontal direction, accommodating both right-handed and left-handed users equally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If the iron holder is designed for specific iron sizes and shapes, then it provides precise fitting, but it cannot accommodate irons of different sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiron fitting precisionVSAvoidiron size compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is designed with universal compatibility through the rail system that fits into the iron tip holder's recess and side holders that accommodate various iron body widths. This multi-functional design allows the same base plate to securely hold irons of different sizes and shapes while maintaining precise fitting through the engagement geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2132373B1Iron holder
Publication Date: 2011.12.14 BADD & BAD
  • EP2132373B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2132373B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2132373B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An iron holder is provided allowing for fixation of an iron, such that the iron holder, and thereby also the iron housed therein, may be moved in alldirections without the iron falling off the iron holder, while simultaneously keeping the heating surface of the iron in a covered position, such that said heating surface will not pose a threat to the health of the user or pose a risk for setting fire toflammable materials.