Garment steaming appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin and lightweight sole plates in garment steaming appliances result in steam being emitted at an angle, leading to less efficient ironing due to a substantial component of motion in the original direction of steam flow, causing the steam to flow sideways or towards the front/rear of the ironing surface.
Innovation Solution
A steam channel configured to divide the steam flow into multiple paths that reconverge above the vent, using baffles to control the direction of the steam jet to be substantially perpendicular to the ironing surface, reducing the velocity component in the direction of steam motion and ensuring efficient steam emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a thin and lightweight sole plate is used, then the appliance becomes more portable and easier to handle, but the steam is emitted at an angle rather than perpendicular to the ironing surface, reducing ironing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The steam channel is divided into multiple separate channels (first, second, third, and fourth steam channels) that split the steam flow into different paths. These segmented channels guide steam from opposite directions to converge at the vent, canceling horizontal velocity components and directing steam perpendicular to the ironing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole plate are given different functions: the steam channels are configured with specific geometries to redirect steam flow in certain areas, while the vent region is designed to receive converging steam flows. The baffle structure creates localized flow control zones that manipulate steam direction without affecting the overall lightweight design.
2Device complexity
If a thin sole plate is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced and the appliance is more compact, but the steam flow direction cannot be controlled effectively, causing steam to flow sideways or towards the front/rear of the iron
Solution Approach 1:
The steam channel system is segmented into multiple independent channels (first, second, third, fourth steam channels) that can be individually configured to control steam flow. This segmentation allows precise directional control of steam without requiring a complex thick sole plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A baffle structure is introduced as an intermediary element within the steam channel to redirect steam flow. The baffle acts as a mediator that splits the steam flow into multiple paths and guides them to converge from opposite directions, enabling effective steam direction control in a thin sole plate.
3Ease of manufacture
If the steam channel is simple and direct, then the appliance structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but the steam maintains its original horizontal motion direction, resulting in inefficient ironing
Solution Approach 1:
The steam channel is segmented into multiple simple geometric shapes (rectangular or curved channels) that can be easily manufactured. Despite the simplicity of individual channels, their combined configuration achieves complex steam flow control, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving ironing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam flow control is achieved by utilizing the two-dimensional plane of the thin sole plate effectively. Multiple steam channels are arranged in different spatial orientations within the sole plate thickness, allowing steam to converge from opposite directions and redirect flow perpendicular to the ironing surface without increasing sole plate thickness.
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
The solution effectively controls the direction of the steam jet to be perpendicular to the ironing surface, maximizing efficiency and ensuring effective ironing results.
Implementation Method 1
the steam channel is configured to divide the flow of steam into multiple flow paths that reconverge above said vent from different directions to control the direction of the resultant flow of steam out of said vent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a garment steaming appliance comprising a sole plate assembly (1) comprising a steam channel (6) for receiving a flow of steam, an ironing plate (3) comprising an ironing surface (4) and an opposing upper surface, wherein the steam channel (6) extends along the upper surface of the ironing plate (3), and a vent (7) extending through said ironing plate (3) from said steam channel (6) to said ironing surface (4). The steam channel (6) is configured to divide the flow of steam into multiple flow paths that reconverge above said vent (7) from different directions to control the direction of the resultant flow of steam out of said vent (7) relative to said ironing surface (4).