Garment Steamer Laser Sensor for Automatic Steam Delivery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Garment steamers often require users to maintain pressure on a push button for continuous steam delivery, leading to physical fatigue and increased water and energy consumption, while designs without trigger control result in limited steam control and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A garment steamer with a steamer head equipped with a laser sensor to measure the distance between the steamer head and the garment, controlling steam delivery based on this distance to optimize steam supply and reduce user effort, featuring a microcontroller or electronic valve to manage steam generation and consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If push button trigger control is used to control steam delivery, then water and energy efficiency are improved, but user physical fatigue increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steamer head automatically detects the presence of a garment and controls steam delivery without requiring continuous user input. The sensor system enables the device to serve itself by autonomously activating steam generation when needed and deactivating when not needed, eliminating the need for users to maintain pressure on push buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical push button trigger system is replaced with an optical or proximity sensor system that automatically detects garment presence. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interaction requiring user physical effort while maintaining precise control over steam delivery timing.
2Loss of energy
If push button trigger control is used to control steam delivery, then water and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from the handle area and integrated directly into the steamer head. By placing the sensor and control electronics in the steamer head itself, the system achieves automatic control without requiring complex wiring and control mechanisms spanning the entire device length.
Solution Approach 2:
The steamer head is given multiple functions: it generates steam, detects garment presence, and autonomously controls steam delivery timing. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single location, reducing overall system complexity despite adding automation capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If continuous steam output is provided without trigger control, then ease of operation is improved, but water and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous steam output, the system uses periodic action by activating steam generation only during periods when a garment is detected near the steamer head. The sensor continuously monitors and triggers steam delivery in discrete periods of need, eliminating waste during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides feedback about garment presence to the control system, which then adjusts steam delivery accordingly. This feedback loop ensures steam is delivered only when needed, maintaining operational simplicity while preventing unnecessary energy and water consumption.
4Ease of operation
If continuous steam output is provided without trigger control, then user fatigue is reduced, but control precision over steam delivery is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steamer head autonomously determines the precise timing for steam delivery based on sensor detection of garment presence. This self-service capability provides precise control over when steam is delivered without requiring user intervention, achieving both ease of operation and control precision.
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 solution allows for efficient and controlled steam delivery, reducing user fatigue, water, and energy consumption while ensuring precise steam application, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a steamer head comprising a laser sensor for measuring the distance between the steamer head and a garment placed in front the laser sensor
Implementation Method 2
a steam generator for generating steam, a steamer head comprising steam vents for expelling steam
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a garment steamer comprising a steam generator for generating steam, and a steamer head (100) comprising a laser sensor (104) for measuring the distance between the steamer head (100) and a garment placed in front the laser sensor (104). The garment steamer further comprises control means configured to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator.