Clothes steamer head

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing steam smoothing heads pose a safety risk due to the potential for steam to enter and condense in the air distribution circuit when the steam diffusion circuit is active, which can be harmful during subsequent use of the air diffusion circuit.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a shut-off member that can be moved between a shut-off position to close off the air outlet and an open position to prevent steam penetration, along with a control system to cut power to the blower when the air outlet is closed, ensuring safe operation by preventing steam from entering the air distribution circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the air distribution circuit is activated while steam is present, then the drying function can be performed, but steam may enter the air diffusion circuit and condense on the components, causing harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying functionVSAvoidsteam condensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off member is positioned to close the air outlet before the air distribution circuit is activated, preventing steam from entering the air diffusion circuit in advance. This preliminary protective action eliminates the risk of steam condensation on components before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off member acts as an intermediary element between the steam diffusion circuit and the air distribution circuit. It controls the interface between these two circuits, allowing selective isolation of the air outlet to prevent harmful steam penetration while maintaining the functionality of both circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a shut-off member is added to close the air outlet, then steam penetration is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operationVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off member is integrated into the existing air outlet structure and serves multiple functions: it closes the air outlet to prevent steam penetration, works in conjunction with the control system to manage circuit activation sequences, and maintains a compact design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off member is combined with the control system that manages the blower activation. The control system coordinates the shut-off member position with the air distribution circuit activation, merging the safety function with the existing control architecture to minimize additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the control system cuts power to the blower when the air outlet is closed, then steam penetration is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam preventionVSAvoiduser control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically monitors the position of the shut-off member and autonomously controls the blower power accordingly. When the shut-off member closes the air outlet, the control system automatically cuts power to the blower without requiring user intervention, making the system self-regulating and safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system receives feedback from the shut-off member position and adjusts the blower power in response. This feedback mechanism ensures that the blower is only activated when the air outlet is open, preventing steam penetration while maintaining automatic operation that does not burden the user with complex controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 design enhances safety by preventing steam condensation in the air distribution circuit, ensuring the steamer head can be used safely and effectively, while also allowing for efficient drying of fabrics with a controlled air flow.

Implementation Method 1

steam may enter the air diffusion circuit and condense on the components of the air diffusion circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

an air outlet (31) for diffusing a stream of air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11174589B2Clothes steamer head

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 SEB SA

AI summary

This steamer head includes a body enclosing a steam distribution circuit and an air distribution circuit which are separated by a dividing partition, the steam distribution circuit including at least one steam inlet orifice intended to be connected to a steam generator and at least one steam outlet for diffusing a stream of steam, the air distribution circuit including a blower, an air inlet orifice and an air outlet for diffusing a stream of air, the at least one steam outlet and the air outlet being arranged at the one same end of the body of the steamer head. The steamer head includes a shut-off member that can be moved between a shut-off position in which the shut-off member closes off the air outlet and an open position in which the shut-off member uncovers the air outlet.