Boiling Water Vat with Removable Scale Collection Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances that boil water, such as steam generators for ironing, face issues with scale buildup, which can block valves and leave residue on laundry, requiring frequent cleaning that users find restrictive and difficult to visualize the scale removal process.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance with a scale recovery container positioned near the bottom of the tank, secured by a stopper and featuring deflecting walls that create a calm zone for scale deposition, allowing easy collection and visualization of the scale removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If water is boiled in the tank, then steam is produced for ironing, but scale accumulates in the tank blocking valves and depositing on laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful scale from the water boiling process by introducing a separate scale collection container. The container is positioned to receive scale particles that separate from the boiling water, allowing the steam generation function to continue while scale is removed from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale collection container acts as an intermediary element between the boiling water and the tank walls/valves. It intercepts scale particles during the boiling process, preventing them from reaching and blocking the control solenoid valve or depositing on laundry.
2Reliability
If scale is removed periodically by draining the tank, then scale buildup is prevented, but the operation is restrictive and users cannot visualize the amount of scale removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scale removal function from the main water tank by introducing a separate, removable scale collection container. This allows users to easily access and empty the scale without draining the entire tank, making the operation simpler and more convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale collection container serves as an intermediary that collects and displays the removed scale in a visible manner. Users can directly observe the amount of scale in the transparent or accessible container, providing visual feedback on the cleaning effectiveness and helping them determine when next cleaning is needed.
3Ease of operation
If a scale collection container is added to the tank, then scale can be easily collected and visualized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scale collection container is nested within the water tank, utilizing the existing tank space. The container fits inside the tank volume without requiring external additions, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while still providing separate scale collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale collection container serves multiple functions: it collects scale particles, provides visual indication of scale accumulation, and can be easily removed for emptying. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated design benefits.
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
Facilitates efficient and visible scale removal, enabling users to assess the amount of scale collected and adjust cleaning frequency, ensuring proper appliance function and preventing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
the deflecting walls which are located at the edge of the container when the latter is placed in the tank make it possible to generate a zone of calm above the scale collecting container, when the water boils in the tank, so that the scale particles stirred by the boiling are deposited by gravity in the container
Data Source
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AI summary
Domestic appliance comprising a vat (1) for boiling water and means for removing scale formed in said vat (1), wherein the scale removing means includes a scale collecting vessel (4) provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the vat (1), characterised in that said vessel (4) can be removed through an opening formed on a side wall of the vat (1) or at the top of the vat, said opening being closed by a plug (3) while the vessel (4) having a elongated shape can be extracted from he vat (1) through said opening.