Device with steam generation function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment steamers and steam footbaths pose safety hazards due to the direct ejection of boiling water through the steam outlet, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
The device features a heating cavity with two chambers, where the heating element is in one chamber and the steam outlet is in the other, spaced horizontally to prevent direct ejection of boiling water, along with a check valve to prevent backflow and an air channel to manage water levels, enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating element and steam outlet are positioned vertically with the steam outlet directly above the heating element, then the steam generation efficiency is improved, but the safety is worsened due to direct ejection of boiling water
Solution Approach 1:
The heating cavity is divided into a first chamber containing the heating element and a second chamber containing the steam outlet. This spatial segmentation separates the heating zone from the steam ejection zone, preventing direct ejection of boiling water while maintaining efficient steam generation through the guide channel communication between chambers.
2Speed
If the steam outlet is positioned close to the heating element, then the steam generation speed is improved, but the risk of boiling water ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical one-dimensional arrangement to a horizontal two-dimensional arrangement by positioning the steam outlet in the second chamber at a horizontal distance from the first chamber containing the heating element. This dimensional change maintains steam generation speed through optimized guide channel design while eliminating the direct vertical ejection path that causes safety hazards.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a horizontal distance is introduced between the heating element and steam outlet, then the safety is improved by preventing direct ejection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam generation and steam ejection functions into a single integrated heating cavity structure with two chambers. The guide channel is formed as an integrated component within the cavity, combining multiple functions (water guidance, steam transport) into one structure, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 effectively prevents the direct ejection of boiling water, reducing safety hazards and ensuring safe operation by collecting and managing water levels within the device.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured in the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
water is heated and boiled in the heating cavity
Implementation Method 3
a guide channel for communicating the water storage cavity with the heating cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A device with a steam generation function comprises a water storage cavity, a heating cavity with a steam outlet, a guide channel for communicating the water storage cavity with the heating cavity, and a heating element configured in the heating cavity, wherein the heating cavity has a first chamber and a second chamber communicated with the first chamber, and the first chamber is located on one side of the second chamber; and the heating element is configured in the first chamber, and the steam outlet is formed in the second chamber and is spaced from the first chamber in the horizontal direction by a preset first distance to prevent boiling water in the first chamber from being ejected via the steam outlet. The device provided by the present invention is safe in use.