Multifunctional Support Base for Steam Iron Limescale Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam ironing apparatuses face issues with limescale buildup, which can obstruct steam generation and water inlet areas, requiring separate cleaning accessories that are impractical for storage, transportation, and use, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns during cleaning cycles.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional support base that integrates a collection tank and discharge system to safely contain and drain water, steam, and limescale residues during cleaning, allowing for efficient maintenance without separate accessories and enabling safe transportation post-cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate container is used to collect hot water and steam during cleaning operations, then water and steam can be contained, but the container requires separate storage space and needs to be cooled down before transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the collection tank directly into the support base structure, merging the previously separate container accessory with the base itself. This eliminates the need for separate storage space and cooling time, as the collection tank is permanently positioned and thermally managed within the base architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the iron during normal use, collecting hot water and steam during cleaning operations, and providing a stable platform for the iron. The collection tank serves dual purposes of containing cleaning discharge and acting as part of the support structure.
2Reliability
If a separate container is used to collect hot water during cleaning, then water can be collected, but the container is not practical for transportation due to hot water cooling time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the collection tank into the support base, the system eliminates the cooling wait time required for separate containers. The base structure provides immediate containment and can be moved as a unified assembly without requiring the container to be detached and cooled separately.
3Reliability
If a separate container is used for cleaning operations, then water and steam can be contained, but the container may be lost, broken, or damaged, causing delays in cleaning cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The collection tank is permanently integrated into the support base, eliminating the risks of loss, breakage, or damage associated with separate removable containers. The unified structure ensures the collection system is always available and ready for use without delays.
4Ease of operation
If an open-top container is used to collect hot water, then water can be easily accessed, but spillages can occur during transport causing safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The collection tank is equipped with a cover that can be placed over the opening during transport to prevent spillages, while allowing easy removal when water access is needed. This flexible covering solution maintains both safety during transport and ease of operation when needed.
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 support base facilitates efficient limescale removal and safe handling of hot water and steam, ensuring the steam ironing apparatus is kept in good condition and reducing the risk of spills and damage during cleaning and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
collect and contain steam and hot water and/or limescale residues produced during the cleaning of the ironing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
discharge aperture (18) able to drain water and/or steam and/or limescale residues produced during the cleaning of the ironing apparatus towards means (22) for collecting the discharge water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Support base for an ironing apparatus (12) comprising a base body (13) provided with an upper portion (15) configured to support an iron (11), ironing apparatus comprising a support base (10) and an iron (11), and method to clean an ironing apparatus (12).