Device for treating laundry with steam comprising a support device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam treatment devices for laundry are not compact enough for storage and transportation due to protruding support devices, which can lead to snagging of the steam conduit.
Innovation Solution
A steam treatment apparatus with a base and masts that includes a support device with a fixing member allowing removable attachment to both the mast and base, enabling the support device to be positioned directly on the base for a more compact assembly and reducing the risk of conduit snagging during transport or storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support device is attached to the mast to enable ergonomic positioning of the tool, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and storage compactness deteriorate due to lateral protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a modular structure that can be detached from the mast and reattached to the base, segmenting the functional components to enable flexible configuration for different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The support device transitions from a fixed attachment to the mast to a movable configuration where it can be detached and repositioned on the base, allowing dynamic adaptation between operational and storage states
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support device protrudes laterally from the mast to provide stable support during inactive phases, then the stability is improved, but the risk of conduit snagging increases during transport or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The support device configuration changes dynamically between operational mode (attached to mast for stability) and transport mode (attached to base for compactness), reducing conduit snagging risk during movement
Solution Approach 2:
The support device can be extracted from the mast attachment and repositioned on the base, separating the support function from the vertical mast structure to enable compact horizontal configuration that minimizes conduit exposure
3Ease of operation
If the support device is fixed to the mast for optimal ergonomics, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional fixing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism serves multiple functions: attaching the support device to the mast during operation, and allowing detachment for reattachment to the base during storage, reducing the need for separate fixing systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A garment steaming apparatus comprising a base (1) containing a water reservoir (10), connected by a conduit (2) to an ironing and/or steaming tool (3) including at least one hole (30A) for steam emission, at least one mast (40) supporting a holding element (5) on which a garment can be hung and/or pressed to allow its treatment with the tool (3), and a support device (8) for stably placing the tool (3) during inactive ironing and/or steaming phases, said support device (8) comprising a fastening member (83) intended to cooperate with a first complementary fastening element (70) carried by the mast (40) to allow the removable attachment of the support device (8) to the mast (40), characterized in that the base (1) comprises a second complementary fastening element (12) allowing the removable attachment of the support device (8) to the base (1).