Portable Ironing Base Lock With Reversing Spring Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld ironing and steaming devices with portable bases have complex and expensive locking mechanisms that can be damaged by improper user handling.
Innovation Solution
A handheld ironing and steaming device with a portable base featuring a rotatable locking element and return means, such as helical torsion springs, that automatically return to a folded or immobilized position without requiring an unlocking button, ensuring ergonomic use and simple, cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking device with an unlocking button is used to secure the ironing device on the base, then the ironing device can be reliably immobilized, but the device becomes expensive to manufacture and vulnerable to damage from improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex unlocking button mechanism from the locking system. The blocking element is designed to be operated directly by the user's hand without requiring separate unlocking components, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable immobilization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element automatically returns to its folded position using a spring mechanism after being manually moved. This self-returning feature eliminates the need for complex locking and unlocking operations, reducing device complexity while ensuring the ironing device is reliably secured in both positions.
2Reliability
If a locking device with an unlocking button is used to secure the ironing device, then the ironing device can be immobilized on the base, but the locking device may be damaged if the user forces the arch without actuating the unlocking button first
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the blocking element to its folded position after manual operation, eliminating the need for an unlocking button. This prevents damage from improper handling since users cannot force the arch without the mechanism being in the correct state - the spring ensures smooth, controlled movement in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and controls the forces applied during operation. It prevents sudden impacts or forced movements from damaging the locking mechanism by providing a compliant, controlled return motion that protects against misuse.
3Ease of operation
If a blocking element is designed to be manually positioned between folded and immobilized positions, then the device can be secured on the base, but the mechanism requires complex locking means to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides automatic positioning assistance - when the user manually moves the blocking element toward the immobilized position, the spring stores energy and automatically completes the movement and maintains the position without requiring separate locking means. The same spring returns the element to the folded position when released, eliminating complex locking requirements.
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 robust and ergonomic locking mechanism that prevents damage from improper handling, ensuring secure retention of the ironing or steaming device on the base and facilitating easy transportation, while eliminating play for improved stability and access.
Implementation Method 1
the return means consist of at least one spring... the spring being a helical torsion spring comprising a first end connected at a point of the base and a second end connected at a point of the blocking element
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Household appliance comprising a hand-held ironing and/or steaming device (1) and a portable base (2) comprising a surface (21) for placing said ironing and/or steaming device, the base (2) comprising at least one locking element (4) movable in rotation between a folded position in which said ironing and/or steaming device (1) can be extracted from the base (2) and an immobilization position in which the ironing and/or steaming device (1) is immobilized on the base (2) by the locking element (4), characterized in that the base (2) comprises return means (6) exerting a torque on said locking element (4) the direction of which reverses when passing through an intermediate position located between the immobilization position and the folded position,said torque exerted by the return means (6) tending to return the locking element to the folded position when the locking element (4) is in a first angular range between the intermediate position and the folded position and tending to return the locking element (4) to the immobilization position when the locking element (4) is in a second angular range between the intermediate position and the immobilization position,