Inclinable Ironing Board Linkage for Stable Garment Steaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garment steamers lack the ergonomic support and stability to effectively remove tough wrinkles, as they typically feature vertical ironing boards that are uncomfortable and unstable, limiting the application of pressing force.
Innovation Solution
A garment steamer with an inclinable ironing board that utilizes a linkage system allowing the board to be inclined between 15 to 45 degrees, providing ergonomic comfort and stability through adjustable or fixed incline angles, and featuring a retractable support structure for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical ironing board is used in garment steamer, then the device structure is simple, but the ergonomic comfort and stability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The ironing board is designed to be inclinable rather than fixed vertical, allowing dynamic adjustment of the board angle. The linkage mechanism enables the board to pivot between vertical and inclined positions, providing ergonomic comfort while maintaining structural feasibility through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including upper and lower parts connected by a linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows independent movement of the ironing board relative to the base, enabling inclination functionality without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a vertical ironing board is used in garment steamer, then the device is compact, but the stability and ability to support pressing force is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism provides dynamic stability by allowing the ironing board to incline when force is applied, then return to vertical position when force is released. This dynamic response maintains stability during operation while preserving compact form when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism uses asymmetric link arm lengths (front link arm longer than rear link arm) to create the inclination motion. This asymmetric design enables the board to tilt forward for ergonomic comfort while maintaining overall structural balance and compact footprint.
3Shape
If the front link arm is made longer than the rear link arm, then the upper part achieves inclined position, but the linkage geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism deliberately uses asymmetric link arm lengths to achieve the desired inclination angle. The front link arm is designed longer than the rear link arm, creating a simple yet effective asymmetric geometry that produces the required board tilt without complex mechanisms.
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 inclinable design enhances user comfort and stability during wrinkle removal, allowing for effective pressing force application while maintaining a compact and space-efficient form.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded plunger arranged inside the upper link, and biased against the rounded end of the lower link such that when the plunger is aligned to one of the recesses, it locates in said recess to lock the upper link in an inclined position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a garment steamer with inclinable ironing board, which comprises a garment steamer with inclinable ironing board (100) comprising a base (10) and a support structure (50) extending upwardly from the base (10). The support structure (50) comprises an upper part (51) and a lower part (52) and an ironing board (60) attached to the upper part (51). An inclining structure (70) comprising an inclining linkage (80) connects the upper part (51) and the lower part (52) in such a way that the upper part (51) is inclinable relative to the lower part (52) and can be fixed in a position in which the upper part (51) is inclined from the lower part (52) at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The inclining linkage (80) comprises first and second link arms (83,84) extending side -by-side between the upper and lower parts of the support structure (50), each of the first and second link arms (83,84) having an upper end pivotably connected to the upper part (51) and a lower end pivotably connected to the lower part (52). The first link arm (83) is longer than the second link arm (84) such that upper part (51) assumes an inclined position relative to the lower part (52) when the upper and lower ends of the link arms (83,84) are pivoted about the upper and lower parts (51,52), respectively, of the support structure (50).