Electric household appliance, in particular a pressing iron, and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric irons require users to manually hold the handle for an extended period to reheat after a long period of non-use, making them inconvenient and inefficient, as the device cools down and needs to reach operating temperature again.
Innovation Solution
A method where the duration of non-use is measured against two time thresholds, allowing the device to remain powered and heated if the first non-use period does not exceed a second time threshold, ensuring it can reach operating temperature before deactivation, enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the iron is equipped with a safety switch that deactivates heating after a predetermined period of non-use, then safety is improved, but the iron cannot be used immediately after a long non-use period without prolonged handle holding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the deactivation time threshold variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the time threshold based on whether the iron is in initial heating mode or normal operation mode. During initial heating, the iron ignores brief non-use periods and maintains heating, while during normal operation, the standard safety deactivation applies. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing immediate reuse after long non-use periods while maintaining safety during regular use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting when the iron is first connected to power and entering an initial heating mode before normal operation begins. During this preliminary phase, the system prepares for extended heating without deactivation, ensuring the iron is ready for use. This preliminary distinction allows the system to differentiate between intentional prolonged heating (initial startup) and unintentional non-use (safety concern), resolving the contradiction between safety and immediate usability.
2Ease of operation
If the iron heating element remains operational during brief non-use periods, then the iron is ready for immediate use, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the deactivation time threshold variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the time threshold based on whether the iron is in initial heating mode or normal operation mode. During initial heating, the iron ignores brief non-use periods and maintains heating, while during normal operation, the standard safety deactivation applies. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing immediate reuse after long non-use periods while maintaining safety during regular use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the time threshold parameter based on the operational state. The control unit changes the deactivation time from a short duration during normal operation to an extended or ignored duration during initial heating mode. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption during regular use while ensuring readiness after initial startup, resolving the contradiction between immediate readiness and energy efficiency.
3Speed
If the iron is heated for a certain period when first plugged in even without handle contact, then it reaches operating temperature faster, but it may deactivate prematurely if the user does not indicate use within a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting when the iron is first connected to power and entering an initial heating mode before normal operation begins. During this preliminary phase, the system prepares for extended heating without deactivation, ensuring the iron is ready for use. This preliminary distinction allows the system to differentiate between intentional prolonged heating (initial startup) and unintentional non-use (safety concern), resolving the contradiction between safety and immediate usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the deactivation time threshold variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the time threshold based on whether the iron is in initial heating mode or normal operation mode. During initial heating, the iron ignores brief non-use periods and maintains heating, while during normal operation, the standard safety deactivation applies. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing immediate reuse after long non-use periods while maintaining safety during regular use.
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 approach prevents premature deactivation during brief usage after a long non-use period, ensuring the iron is ready for use and improving handling comfort by maintaining heat until the device has reached operating temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate 2 is heated from above by a concealed electric resistance heater
Implementation Method 2
The base plate 2 is thermally insulated and mounted on a plastic injection-molded housing 3
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrically heatable device, in which non-usage is determined depending on a usage state of the device and the electrical heating of the device can be deactivated when the duration of non-usage has reached a first temporal threshold value (S1). To this end, the duration of a first non-usage is measured and compared to a second temporal threshold value (S2), and during a second non-usage following the first non-usage, the deactivation will occur after the first temporal threshold value (S1) is reached only if the duration of the first non-usage has not exceeded the second temporal threshold value (S2). Moreover, the invention relates to an electrically heatable device, comprising an electrical heater and an electrical circuit cooperating therewith, and further comprising a sensor (11) for detecting non-usage, wherein the electrical circuit comprises a timing element which is suitable for determining the duration of non-usage and for comparing said duration to a first temporal threshold value (S1). The device comprises a timing element for determining the duration of non-usage. The invention allows the ironing convenience to be considerably increased. In particular, it can be avoided that the device is not sufficiently heated for further usage when brief usage follows longer non-usage.