Steam ironing and/or smoothing appliance comprising an ironing board that can be immobilized in various tilted positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam ironing appliances with hinge devices equipped with spring locking systems are costly to manufacture and difficult to use, as the unlocking button is distant and hidden, posing a risk of finger pinching and requiring awkward manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A hinge device with a locking element that engages and disengages through a notch system, allowing the ironing board to be tilted by translational motion, eliminating the need for a spring mechanism and enabling automatic locking via gravity, with multiple positions for ergonomic use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring locking system is used in the hinge device, then the ironing board can be locked in various positions, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring component from the locking system, extracting the complex elastic element and replacing it with a simple gravity-based locking mechanism. The locking element engages with notches in the first part through gravitational force alone, eliminating the need for springs while maintaining reliable position holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system utilizes the weight of the ironing board itself to automatically engage the locking element with the notches. The board's own gravity serves as the locking force, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external spring assistance or additional energy sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If an unlocking button is provided on the hinge device, then the ironing board can be unlocked to change position, but the button is distant and hidden making operation difficult and posing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completely removes the unlocking button from the hinge device, eliminating the problematic component that was distant and hidden. Instead of a button mechanism, the system uses direct manual manipulation of the ironing board itself to engage and disengage the locking element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ironing board itself acts as the intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. By grasping and moving the board, the user directly controls the locking element's engagement with the notches, eliminating the need for a separate button interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a spring locking system is used, then the hinge device can maintain locked positions, but the risk of finger pinching increases during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidfinger pinching risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring component that creates the pinching hazard. Without a spring-loaded button mechanism, there is no rapid return action that could trap fingers. The gravity-based system operates smoothly without sudden movements or elastic recoil.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful spring force into a beneficial gravity-based system. Instead of using elastic energy that can cause pinching, the system utilizes gravitational force which acts predictably and safely, maintaining position stability without the harmful side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 simplifies and economizes the manufacturing process, enhances user ergonomics by allowing easy tilt adjustment without spring assistance, and reduces the risk of injury, providing stable locking in various positions for improved ironing comfort and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

the position and form of the notch are adapted so that the locking element automatically engages in the notch under the effect of the weight of the ironing board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10648127B2Steam ironing and/or smoothing appliance comprising an ironing board that can be immobilized in various tilted positions

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 SEB SA

AI summary

A steam ironing and/or smoothing appliance including an ironing board against which a garment to be ironed can be placed for a steam treatment, the ironing board being mounted with the ability to pivot by a hinge device enabling the ironing board to be immobilized in various tilted positions, the hinge device including a first part which is mobile in rotation in relation to a second part, the first part including at least one notch in which is engaged at least one locking element carried by the second part in order to prevent the hinge device from rotating, wherein the second part is mobile in translation in relation to the first part according to a course and a direction enabling the locking element to engage and disengage in the notch.