Pivoting Ironing Board Blower for Even Pressure and Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steam ironing devices with integrated blower devices face challenges such as large storage space requirements and uneven pressure distribution due to the blower's placement, leading to condensation and inadequate support for ironing.

Innovation Solution

The blower device is integrated into the plane of the ironing board surface, folding inward against the underside, and automatically swings out to an angled operating position when activated, ensuring even pressure distribution and reduced storage volume by being housed flat when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the blower device is placed close to the ironing board surface to minimize storage space, then the storage volume is reduced, but the pressure distribution becomes uneven with high pressure peaks and sharp decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidpressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The blower device is made pivotable relative to the ironing board surface, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a stowed configuration (parallel to the surface) and an operating configuration (angled away from the surface). This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize both storage space and pressure distribution at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blower device is positioned at an angle relative to the ironing board surface rather than being parallel to it. This angular positioning in a different spatial dimension allows the air flow to distribute more evenly across the surface area, preventing sharp pressure decreases while maintaining a compact form factor.

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

2Volume of stationary object

If the blower device is placed parallel below the ironing board surface to minimize storage space, then the storage volume is reduced, but the fan effect is insufficient at the tip of the board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidfan effect coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The blower device is made pivotable relative to the ironing board surface, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a stowed configuration (parallel to the surface) and an operating configuration (angled away from the surface). This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize both storage space and pressure distribution at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blower device is positioned at an angle relative to the ironing board surface rather than being parallel to it. This angular positioning in a different spatial dimension allows the air flow to distribute more evenly across the surface area, preventing sharp pressure decreases while maintaining a compact form factor.

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

3Stress or pressure

If the blower device is positioned to provide even pressure distribution, then the ironing support is improved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blower device is made pivotable relative to the ironing board surface, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a stowed configuration (parallel to the surface) and an operating configuration (angled away from the surface). This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize both storage space and pressure distribution at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design achieves optimal airflow and pressure distribution up to the tip of the ironing board, preventing condensation and providing effective support for delicate textiles, while minimizing storage space.

Implementation Method 1

a blower device (4) for generating an air stream (5) that flows through an air- and/or vapor-permeable ironing board surface (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow through permeable surface: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2453056B1Ironing device
Publication Date: 2013.03.06 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2453056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2453056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2453056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has an ironing board (2) and a steam generator (3) for smoothing iron or iron board. A blowing unit (4) generates air flow (5) that flows through air and/or water permeable ironing surface (6), and a foldable frame (7) is arranged below the ironing surface. The foldable frame is rested in a folding condition in the lower side of the ironing surface, and the blowing unit is integrated in a plane of the ironing surface and/or within the ironing board stayed in an operating position by opening the foldable frame and/or in a stowed position by folding the foldable frame.