Layered Steam Generation Body for Rapid Steam Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heating tools are unable to generate a large amount of steam in a short time, failing to meet the increasing demand for rapid steam generation.

Innovation Solution

A steam generator comprising a heat generating layer with oxidizable metal, carbon component, and water, combined with multiple water absorbent layers to enhance steam production efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional heating tools use a simple heat generating layer with water, then the device complexity is low, but the steam generation amount and speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation amount and speedVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water absorbent system is segmented into three distinct layers: a first water absorbent layer directly contacting the heat generating layer, a water absorbing sheet layer in the middle, and a second water absorbent layer on the outer side. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its function optimally, resulting in rapid steam generation of 530 mg in 10 minutes while maintaining a manageable laminated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a conventional single-layer or two-layer structure to a three-layer laminated configuration. By adding the dimensional complexity of multiple layers with different functional properties, the system achieves superior steam generation performance without excessive complexity, as each layer serves a specific purpose in the water transfer and steam generation process.

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

2Quantity of substance

If multiple water absorbent layers are added to enhance steam production, then the steam generation amount increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation amountVSAvoidnumber of layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water absorbent functionality is segmented across three layers, each with specific roles: the first water absorbent layer rapidly absorbs water from the heat generating layer, the water absorbing sheet layer transports and distributes water, and the second water absorbent layer maintains moisture. This segmentation enables the system to generate 530 mg of steam in 10 minutes through coordinated action of simplified individual layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The laminated structure integrates multiple functions into a single composite component: water absorption, water transport, moisture retention, and heat transfer. This multi-functionality allows the three-layer system to achieve high steam generation quantity while maintaining structural simplicity, as all functions are embedded in one integrated assembly rather than requiring separate components.

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 steam generator can produce a large amount of steam quickly, achieving a maximum temperature of 70°C within 1 minute and a cumulative steam generation of 530 mg in 10 minutes.

Implementation Method 1

heat generated by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation reaction: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

heat generated by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat generation: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 3

a first water absorbent layer laminated on the heat generating layer and comprising a first water absorbent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3978053B1Steam generation body, heating implement, and production method for steam generation body
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 KAO CORP
  • EP3978053B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3978053B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3978053B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A steam generator according to the present invention comprises a heat generating layer comprising an oxidizable metal, a carbon component, and water, a first water absorbent layer laminated on the heat generating layer and comprising a first water absorbent, a water absorbing sheet laminated on the first water absorbent layer, and a second water absorbent layer laminated on the water absorbing sheet and comprising a second water absorbent.