Foldable Ironing Board Quick Couplings for Lightweight Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ironing boards with integrated steam generators, motors, and electrical connections are bulky, noisy, and difficult to handle due to their weight and size, making them cumbersome to open, fold, move, or transport.
Innovation Solution
A foldable ironing board with a vertical support structure and quick connectors for connecting electrical and steam lines between the ironing board and the support structure, where components like the steam generator are housed in the support structure, not the ironing board, allowing for easier handling and reduced noise through dual motors driving fan wheels in the same direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components such as steam generator, motors, and electrical connections are integrated into the ironing board itself, then the ironing board can function independently, but the ironing board becomes heavy, bulky, and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate parts: a stationary support structure containing heavy components (steam generator, motors, electrical connections) and a lightweight movable ironing board. This segmentation allows the ironing board to be easily handled while the support structure provides all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Heavy and bulky components are extracted from the ironing board and placed in the stationary support structure. Only essential lightweight components remain in the ironing board, dramatically reducing its weight and improving handleability while maintaining full functionality through the connection to the support structure.
2Weight of moving object
If the ironing board is made lightweight and compact for easy handling, then portability improves, but connection stability and structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into quick connectors on the lightweight ironing board and corresponding receptacles on the stationary support structure. This allows for simple connection on the moving part while providing robust anchoring in the stationary part, maintaining strength without adding weight to the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connection system uses standardized connector designs that replicate reliable connection mechanisms in a simplified form, ensuring adequate connection strength while keeping the ironing board lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble.
3Volume of moving object
If the ironing board is designed to be compact and foldable for space saving, then storage requirements are reduced, but the complexity of opening and folding operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is segmented into simple hinged joints and quick-connectors rather than complex multi-stage mechanisms. The ironing board folds into a compact configuration using basic hinge movements, reducing storage volume while keeping the mechanism simple and easy to operate.
4Loss of time
If quick connectors are used for electrical and steam lines between ironing board and support structure, then connection speed and ease of assembly improve, but the risk of connection errors or improper locking may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connectors are designed with self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically ensure proper connection when the ironing board is attached to the support structure. The connectors guide the connection process and provide automatic confirmation of proper engagement, enabling fast assembly while maintaining high reliability without requiring user expertise.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The foldable ironing board has a non-heatable or electrically heatable ironing table (2) provided with suction or blowing device and steam generator or airing system for drying. Stands or bases are provided for the ironing table, where a vertical column-like support structure (1) is firmly installed at a wall (11) or in a piece of furniture. The ironing table is movably supported or guided on a side on the support structure.