Fabric steamer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld fabric steamers either leave line marks on fabrics due to dot-shaped holes or lack efficiency in steam ironing coverage and efficiency, as they either have dot-shaped or straight-line steam outlets.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held fabric steamer with an annular steam head and a hole in the middle, featuring a wide footprint/spray pattern and a reduced internal volume for high-pressure steam, which also creates a Venturi effect for efficient steam distribution and visibility during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a steam outlet with multiple dot-shaped holes is used, then steam is emitted effectively, but line marks are formed on the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlet is divided into multiple small holes arranged in a specific pattern, with each hole contributing to the overall steam distribution. This segmentation allows steam to be emitted from multiple points simultaneously, creating a broader coverage area while maintaining effective steam flow through each individual hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The holes are arranged in an asymmetric pattern rather than a simple linear or radial configuration. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes steam distribution across the fabric surface, ensuring even coverage while preventing the formation of visible line marks by distributing steam pressure and flow paths strategically.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a steam outlet with a straight line shape is used, then line marks are reduced, but steam ironing coverage area and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlet pattern transitions from a one-dimensional straight line configuration to a two-dimensional distributed array of holes. This dimensional expansion allows steam to be emitted across a broader area of the fabric surface, significantly increasing the effective ironing coverage while maintaining the benefit of reduced line mark formation through proper hole 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
The design enhances steam ironing coverage area and efficiency, providing high-pressure steam and a visually monitored steam output, improving the overall performance compared to conventional steamers.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator operatively connected to the pump. The steam generator forms a steam path that heats water into steam
Implementation Method 2
the fabric steamer having the annular steam head also provides a Venturi effect of surrounding air being drawing through the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld appliance for emitting steam to treat a fabric has a housing, a water reservoir, a pump, and a steam generator operatively connected to the pump. The housing has an annular steam emitting head having a hole passing through the steam head. The steam head has an outlet with a shape surrounding the hole so that steam inside the steam head is emitted out of the steam head through the outlet around the hole. A handheld appliance for emitting steam to treat a fabric also has a housing having a water reservoir, a pump, a steam generator operatively connected to the pump, and an outlet. The steam generator forms a steam path that has a first layer that extends from an inlet into the steam generator on a first side of a heater to a second layer that is on a second side of the heater opposite to the first layer.