Portable steam generator base for iron
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art steam generators are bulky and heavy due to large water reservoirs, making them less portable despite advancements in steam generation capacity, as they often require latching mechanisms to maintain portability and efficient steam delivery.
Innovation Solution
A portable steam generator base with plural ergonomic handle positions allows for independent movement of the steam generator and iron unit without the need for latching, distributing weight and enabling greater capacity and design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the water reservoir is made larger to increase steam generation capacity, then the steam generation capacity is improved, but the weight of the unit increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator system is divided into two separate components: a stationary base unit containing the large water reservoir and steam generation system, and a portable handheld iron unit. This segmentation allows the heavy components to remain fixed while the lightweight portable unit can be moved freely for ironing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose serves as an intermediary connection between the base unit and the handheld iron, delivering both steam and electrical power through the same conduit. This allows the handheld unit to operate independently while maintaining connection to the steam source.
2Ease of operation
If a latching mechanism is added to keep the iron and base unit together for portability, then the portability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism has been completely removed from the system. Instead of requiring the iron to be latched to the base for portability, the design allows the handheld iron to be used independently by simply holding it in the user's hand, eliminating the need for any mechanical connection during portable operation.
3Quantity of substance
If the steam generator base is made larger to accommodate a bigger water reservoir, then the water capacity is improved, but the portability of the base unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit incorporates multiple functional elements into a single integrated structure: the water reservoir, steam generation system, power supply, and control mechanisms are all combined in one stationary unit. This consolidation allows the system to maintain high water capacity while minimizing the overall footprint and simplifying the base unit design.
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 enhances portability and ease of use by allowing the steam generator to be lifted at multiple points, reducing the need for latching and improving weight distribution, thus enabling more efficient and versatile steam generation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for creating steam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A portable steam generator (10) includes a steam generator base (12) including a water reservoir (18) and a steam generation unit that is operatively fluidly connected with the water reservoir (18) for water supply to the steam generation unit. The portable steam generator (10) also includes an iron (14) including a sole plate (24) with openings so that steam can pass through the sole plate (24). The portable steam generator (10) also includes a flexible hose (22) between the steam generation base (12) and the iron (14) including a steam conduit that is operatively fluidly connected with both the steam generation unit and an internal cavity of the iron (14) for supply steam to the iron (14). A plurality of handles (32, 34) allow grasping and provide portability to the steam generator (10).