Handheld steam iron
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrinkle-removing devices, such as irons and steamers, are cumbersome, require significant storage space, and often necessitate a flat surface or access to a water source, making them impractical for travel and efficient use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld steam iron with an elongated, ergonomic design that combines heat and steam functionality, featuring independently heated plates and steam chambers, along with a removable fluid reservoir, allowing for wrinkle removal on both sides of a garment without a flat surface and enabling steam production without a water tap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional iron is used to remove wrinkles, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but storage space requirement and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a traditional iron and a steamer into a single handheld device. The iron includes both heating plates for direct contact ironing and steam generation chambers for steam treatment, allowing users to perform both wrinkle removal methods with one compact device, significantly reducing storage space requirements while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld iron is designed to perform multiple functions: dry ironing with heated plates, steam ironing with integrated steam chambers, and garment refreshing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ironing board and steamer appliances, addressing the storage space and portability concerns
2Reliability
If a conventional iron is used, then wrinkle removal capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of ironing board or flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld iron features a hinged design with movable upper arm that allows the device to adapt to various garment shapes and sizes. The flexible structure enables users to iron clothes in different positions and orientations without requiring a flat ironing board surface, greatly improving operational convenience
3Ease of operation
If a steamer is used to remove wrinkles, then ease of operation is improved, but storage space requirement and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates steam generation functionality into a compact handheld iron structure. The steam chambers are positioned within the body of the iron, allowing steam to be delivered directly to the garment through the heating plates or dedicated steam outlets, combining the benefits of steaming with the compact form factor
4Ease of operation
If a steamer is used, then ability to steam without flat surface is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to requirement of water source
Solution Approach 1:
The iron includes an integrated water tank that can be filled beforehand with water. This preliminary preparation of the water source within the device itself eliminates the need for external water connections during operation, ensuring reliable steam generation anywhere without requiring access to a water tap or sink
5Reliability
If traditional iron and steamer are used separately, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and number of components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wrinkle removal systems into a single integrated device. The handheld iron contains both heating plates for direct contact ironing and steam chambers for steam treatment, along with a water tank and pump system, all controlled through a unified interface, reducing the total number of separate appliances needed
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 handheld steam iron effectively removes wrinkles from garments by providing heat and steam on both sides, is space-efficient, and allows for use without a flat surface or water source, enhancing portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The plates can be heated by heating elements placed adjacent to the respective plates
Implementation Method 2
A pump can draw fluid, such as water, from the reservoir and supply the fluid to the steam chambers
Implementation Method 3
the upper arm can include a steam chamber positioned proximate the upper plate so that the user can provide steam to the garment
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld steam iron for straightening creases in wrinkled fabric is disclosed. The handheld steam iron can combine the benefits of both an iron and a steamer by providing heat and steam to a garment. The handheld steam iron can include an upper arm and a lower body. The upper arm and lower body can include a plate, steam channels, or both. The steam iron can include one or more pumps to provide water to the upper arm and/or lower body so that both sides of the steam iron receive equal amounts of steam. The steam iron can also include a removable liquid reservoir that enables a user to quickly replace the liquid provided for steam.