Clothes iron storage case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iron cases face difficulties in achieving easy unlocking operability while preventing malfunctions in the locking mechanism due to external shocks during carrying, as the operating button is exposed and prone to positional deviation.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a locking mechanism with a U-shaped locking spring and a hooking portion that absorbs external shocks, maintaining the operating button's position and preventing damage by compressing the spring and using a recessed fitting portion to distribute shock, ensuring the locking mechanism remains functional.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operating button is disposed on the outer side of receiving case to be exposed for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to positional deviation from external shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of unlocking operationVSAvoidlocking mechanism reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operating button is nested within a recessed fitting portion formed in the receiving case, rather than being exposed on the outer side. This nesting structure protects the operating button from external shocks while maintaining accessibility for operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed fitting portion acts as a cushioning structure that absorbs external shocks before they can directly impact the operating button. This beforehand cushioning prevents positional deviation of the operating button while keeping it accessible for unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the locking mechanism uses a movable operating button biased by spring for easy unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to damage from external shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking operabilityVSAvoiddamage from external shock
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operating button and locking mechanism components are nested within the recessed fitting portion, which shields them from external shocks. This nesting protects the movable components while maintaining their functionality for easy unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed fitting portion provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing external shocks before they can damage the operating button and locking mechanism components, while still allowing smooth operation during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This configuration allows for easy unlocking of the iron case while effectively preventing malfunctions caused by external shocks, maintaining the integrity of the locking mechanism and reducing damage to the operating button and locking body.

Implementation Method 1

The upper end portion of operating button 52, which corresponds to a point P on the outer side of receiving case 51, is movably biased inward by locking spring 56, by being in contact with point P on the outer side of receiving case 51. Accordingly, when unexpected external shock is applied to receiving case 51 that is being carried, receiving case 51 is instantaneously elastically deformed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a locking mechanism with a U-shaped locking spring and a hooking portion that absorbs external shocks, maintaining the operating button's position and preventing damage by compressing the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2518207B1Clothes iron storage case
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2518207B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2518207B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2518207B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An iron case includes: a table where an iron is placed; a receiving case that surrounds the iron and has a lower opening that is closed by the table; and a locking mechanism that detachably combines the table with the receiving case, in which the locking mechanism includes: a locking portion formed on the sides of the table; a locking body formed at the receiving case and engaged with the locking portion; an operating button disposed to be movable outwardly on the outer surface of the receiving case and operating the locking body; and a locking spring disposed in the receiving case and biasing the operating button to the table. Therefore, malfunction of the locking mechanism is prevented while usability when the receiving case is separated is improved.