Ironing device and method for controlling a heating unit of an ironing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam generators in ironing devices face a compromise between short standby times and large steam production, with instantaneous heaters producing steam quickly but struggling with prolonged use, while boilers provide stability but require long heating times.
Innovation Solution
Combining a steam generator unit with a storage container, where the steam generator is arranged within the storage container, allowing for immediate steam availability with a boiler's steam stability, using a coupling valve and shuttle valve to manage steam flow and pressure, and a control unit to activate the heating unit based on internal pressure, eliminating the need for additional heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an instantaneous water heater is used to generate steam quickly, then standby time is reduced and steam is produced rapidly, but steam production performance drops when steam is required for a longer period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generation system is segmented into two distinct units: a small-volume instantaneous steam generator for rapid steam production and a large-volume storage boiler for sustained steam supply. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in one aspect of steam generation, resolving the contradiction between speed and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator is arranged within the storage boiler in a nested configuration. The steam generator sits inside the larger storage boiler, allowing compact integration while maintaining functional independence. This nesting enables the small generator to quickly produce steam that is stored in the surrounding boiler volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a boiler is used to buffer continuous load and provide large amounts of steam, then steam stability is improved, but heating-up time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the steam generator continuously produce and store steam in the storage boiler during standby periods. This preliminary steam generation and storage eliminates the need to heat a large volume of water from cold state when steam is needed, as the steam is already prepared and stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the heating function (performed by the small steam generator with fast response) from the storage function (performed by the large boiler providing stability). This segmentation allows the large boiler to provide steam stability without requiring its full volume to be heated, as steam is continuously supplied by the smaller generator.
3Loss of time
If a small steam generating unit is used, then heating time is reduced, but steam storage volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The small steam generator is nested within the larger storage boiler, creating a hierarchical structure where the smaller unit benefits from the presence of the larger unit. The generator provides rapid heating capability while the surrounding boiler volume provides additional steam storage capacity that would be unavailable in a standalone small generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the advantages of both small and large steam generation units by combining them into a single integrated system. The small generator contributes fast heating response while the large boiler contributes substantial storage volume, creating a composite system that exhibits properties superior to either unit alone.
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 enables rapid steam readiness with high storage volume, reducing heating times and maintaining steam stability, providing consistent high steam output without additional heating, thus enhancing ironing device efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit (102) that can be filled with a liquid for generating steam by evaporating the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a coupling valve which is designed to fluidly couple the steam generating unit and the storage tank to one another when an internal pressure of the steam generating unit operating pressure reached
Implementation Method 3
a shuttle valve having a first input coupled to the storage tank, a second input coupled to the steam generation unit, and an output for providing a steam volume flow dependent on a pressure present at the first input and at the second input
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an ironing device (100) with a liquid-fillable steam generation unit (102) for generating steam by evaporating the liquid, a storage container (108) for storing steam generated by the steam generation unit (102), a coupling valve (112) designed to fluidically couple the steam generation unit (102) and the storage container (108) when an internal pressure of the steam generation unit (102) reaches an operating pressure, and a changeover valve (118) with a first inlet (116) coupled to the storage container (108), a second inlet (120) coupled to the steam generation unit (102), and an outlet (122) for providing a steam volume flow depending on a pressure applied to the first inlet (116) and/or the second inlet (120).