Portable Iron Base Locking Structure for Compact Secure Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household irons with portable bases face issues of bulkiness and aesthetic concerns due to bulky immobilization means, which compromise stability and ergonomics during transport.

Innovation Solution

A compact immobilization system featuring a protrusion inserted into a cavity on the iron's cantilevered part and a movable arch with helical torsion springs, ensuring secure engagement and centering of the iron on the base, while maintaining a sleek design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bulky bumpers are used to cover the rear part of the iron for immobilization, then the iron is securely immobilized on the base, but the base becomes bulky and aesthetically compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization reliabilityVSAvoidbase volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the immobilization function from bulky external bumpers and relocates it to a cavity integrated directly into the iron's cantilevered part. This extraction eliminates the need for separate bumper components on the base, reducing base volume while maintaining immobilization reliability through the protrusion-cavity engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The immobilization cavity is nested within the iron's existing cantilevered structure, utilizing the overhang space that already exists for structural purposes. This nesting approach allows the immobilization feature to be accommodated without adding external bulk to either the iron or the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If bulky bumpers are used to cover the rear part of the iron for immobilization, then the iron is securely immobilized on the base, but the aesthetic appearance of the device is harmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the visually intrusive bumpers from the base and relocates the immobilization mechanism to the iron itself through the cavity in the cantilevered part. This extraction preserves the clean, sleek aesthetic of the base while maintaining secure immobilization through the protrusion-cavity engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The immobilization cavity is localized to the specific area of the iron's cantilevered part where structural material already exists. This localized approach allows the immobilization feature to be integrated without affecting the overall aesthetic quality of either the iron or the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If the base is made compact with streamlined immobilization means, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the immobilization reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidimmobilization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The iron's own cantilevered structure serves dual purposes: providing structural support and housing the immobilization cavity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate bulky immobilization components while maintaining reliable engagement through the protrusion-cavity mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cantilevered part of the iron serves multiple functions: structural support for the handle, aesthetic design element, and housing for the immobilization cavity. This multi-functionality allows the compact design to achieve both aesthetic appeal and immobilization reliability without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a stable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing ironing appliance with improved immobilization and ease of use, allowing for safe transport and efficient steam generation.

Implementation Method 1

the return means consist of at least one helical torsion spring comprising a first end connected at a point of the base and a second end connected to a point of the blocking element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical torsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2933372B1Household appliance comprising an iron and a portable base including an area for setting the iron
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 SEB SA
  • EP2933372B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2933372B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2933372B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Household appliance comprising an iron (1) and a portable base (2) including a location (21A) for placing the iron (1), the iron (1) including a soleplate (10) surmounted by a body including a cantilevered portion extending behind the soleplate (10), the base (2) including means for immobilizing the iron (1) on the location (21A) allowing the entire appliance to be transported by a handle (11) of the iron (1), characterized in that the immobilizing means include a retaining member (22A) inserted into a cavity (13) of complementary shape provided on an underside of the cantilevered portion of the body of the iron (1) extending behind the soleplate (10).