Ironing sole, iron and method for manufacturing the sole of the iron

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iron soleplates made of stainless steel, Teflon, or ceramic face challenges in combining durability with good gliding properties, with stainless steel being durable but not smooth, Teflon scratching on metal objects, and ceramic being expensive and prone to glare.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid soleplate design featuring Teflon on the valleys and stainless steel on the peaks, combined with a honeycomb structure for optimized steam distribution, enhancing both durability and gliding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stainless steel soleplate is used, then durability is improved, but gliding properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidgliding properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The soleplate surface is divided into different regions with different materials: stainless steel on peaks for durability and Teflon in valleys for gliding properties. This local differentiation allows each material to perform its optimal function in the appropriate location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The soleplate combines two different materials (stainless steel and Teflon) into a single composite structure. This composite approach allows the soleplate to simultaneously exhibit the durability of stainless steel and the low-friction properties of Teflon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a Teflon soleplate is used, then gliding properties are improved, but durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegliding propertiesVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Teflon is applied only in the valley regions of the soleplate surface where gliding contact occurs, while stainless steel remains on the peaks. This localized application ensures Teflon provides low-friction gliding where needed without compromising the overall structural durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If Teflon is used on the soleplate, then scratching of metal objects is prevented, but durability of the soleplate itself deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratching preventionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Teflon is applied only in the valley regions where contact with fabric and metal objects (zippers, buttons) occurs during ironing, providing scratch prevention exactly where needed. The peaks remain as durable stainless steel to maintain structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4257742B1Ironing sole, iron and method for manufacturing the sole of the iron

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 MIELE & CO KG

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an iron soleplate comprising two materials (1, 2) arranged in a sequence of peaks and valleys, wherein the first material (1) of the two materials (1, 2) is arranged in the valleys and the second material (2) of the two materials (1, 2) is arranged on the peaks. The invention further relates to an iron comprising the soleplate. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an iron soleplate, comprising the following steps: providing a soleplate comprising two materials (1, 2) and laser-engraving the soleplate such that the two materials (1, 2) are arranged in a sequence of peaks and valleys, with the first material (1) of the at least two materials (1, 2) being arranged in the valleys and the second material (2) of the at least two materials (1, 2) being arranged on the peaks.