Steam Distribution Channel Layout for Faster Ironing Plate Steam Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irons suffer from bulky steam distribution chambers that cause a decrease in steam flow speed due to larger passage sections, leading to inefficient steam emission through outlet holes.

Innovation Solution

A compact steam distribution chamber with a winding channel shape around a projecting wall, where steam outlet holes are arranged in a row to maintain high steam flow speed, and a T-shaped wall for optimal compactness and heat transfer, along with passage restrictions and bends to enhance evaporation and steam penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the distribution chamber has a larger passage section to accommodate steam flow, then the chamber volume increases, but the steam flow speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution chamber volumeVSAvoidsteam flow speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the traditional three-dimensional chamber into a two-dimensional channel structure that winds around a projecting wall. This dimensional change allows the distribution path to be extended in length while maintaining a compact cross-sectional area, thereby preserving steam flow speed while achieving compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution channel employs a winding, curved path around the projecting wall rather than a straight linear configuration. This curvature allows the channel to maximize its length within a compact space, extending the steam distribution path without increasing the overall footprint or compromising flow velocity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the distribution chamber passage section is increased to improve steam distribution, then the chamber becomes bulkier, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam distribution effectivenessVSAvoiddistribution chamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is segmented into a winding channel structure that follows the contour of the projecting wall, with steam outlet holes distributed along the channel path. This segmentation allows effective steam distribution across multiple zones while maintaining a simple, integrated channel structure rather than a complex multi-chamber system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution channel is nested around the projecting wall, utilizing the wall's structure as a central core. This nesting arrangement allows the distribution pathway to be embedded within the existing structural framework, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective steam distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If the distribution channel length is increased to supply multiple steam outlet holes, then the channel width must be reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of steam outlet holesVSAvoidchannel dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The channel width is optimized locally at different positions along its length. The width varies between one and three times the diameter of the steam outlet holes depending on the local requirements for steam flow distribution and outlet hole size, allowing flexible adaptation to different outlet configurations without compromising manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design achieves a higher steam flow speed and compact chamber, improving steam penetration into textiles and reinforcing the ironing plate's resistance and heat transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a heating body (1) comprising a lower face in thermal contact with an ironing plate (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an upper face at the level of which a vaporization chamber (12) is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a vaporization chamber (12) is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 4

a steam distribution circuit which connects the vaporization chamber with a steam distribution chamber formed on the underside of the heating body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3266927B1Iron comprising a heating body in thermal contact with an ironing plate
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 SEB SA
  • EP3266927B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3266927B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3266927B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Iron comprising a heating body (1) comprising a lower face in thermal contact with an ironing plate (2) and an upper face at the level of which a vaporization chamber (12) is formed, the heating body comprising a circuit distribution chamber which connects the vaporization chamber (12) with a steam distribution chamber (23) formed on the underside of the heating body, the ironing plate (2) comprising, facing the distribution chamber, at at least a first group (21) of steam outlet holes (20) which open into the distribution chamber (23), characterized in that the distribution chamber has the shape of a distribution channel (23) winding around a wall (23A) projecting from the underside of the heating body (1) and in that the steam outlet holes (20) of the first group (21) are distributed one behind the other along the channel distribution (23) so that the steam flow circulating in the distribution channel (23) successively feeds said steam outlet holes (20).