Variable-position ironing board and garment steamer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment steamers with inclinable ironing boards have complex mechanisms, fragile support structures, and instability during position changes, making operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A variable-position ironing board with a support structure, an ironing board body, and a locating mechanism comprising first and second links forming a quadrangle, where a locating portion on one edge leans against the opposite edge to prevent deformation, allowing easy position change without a fixing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixing structure is configured to fix the inclinable structure to a desired position, then the ironing board can be fixed at specific positions, but the structure becomes complex and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locating mechanism utilizes the weight of the ironing board body and the geometric constraints of the quadrangle linkage to automatically maintain fixed positions without requiring additional fixing structures. The system serves itself by using its own components (links and locating portions) to achieve position fixation, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ironing board employs a dynamic locating mechanism where the quadrangle linkage can transition between different configurations. The locating portions engage with corresponding features on the support structure to dynamically lock at desired positions, allowing the board to be fixed reliably while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If a fixing structure is configured to fix the inclinable structure, then the ironing board can be fixed at specific positions, but operation becomes complex requiring special fixing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locating mechanism automatically maintains fixed positions through the interaction of locating portions with the support structure, without requiring user intervention for fixing operations. The system's own weight and geometric constraints provide the fixation, making operation simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic quadrangle linkage allows the ironing board to easily transition between positions while automatically locking at desired angles. The locating mechanism provides reliable fixation during use but allows smooth repositioning when needed, enhancing ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the support structure is made fragile to allow inclination, then the structure can be lightweight and simple, but the support stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses a dynamic quadrangle linkage mechanism that provides stability when needed (when locating portions are engaged) while allowing movement when repositioning is required. This dynamic behavior maintains support stability without requiring an overly complex or heavy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating mechanism uses the ironing board's own weight and the geometric constraints of the linkage to provide stability, rather than relying on a heavy or complex support structure. The system's own components work together to maintain support stability.
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 simplifies the structure, enhances support stability, and enables easy position adjustment of the ironing board by preventing deformation, ensuring stable support without the need for additional fixing operations.
Implementation Method 1
at a first point, a back side of the ironing board body is rotatably connected to the support structure to allow the ironing board to be transformed between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
the first link and the second link are located on the back side of the ironing board body and rotatably connected to the support structure and the ironing board body to form a quadrangle which deforms with a change of the position of the ironing board body
Implementation Method 3
at least one edge of the quadrangle is provided with a locating portion which, when the ironing board body is transformed between the first position and the second position, leans against an opposite edge of the quadrangle to prevent the quadrangle from deformation
Data Source
AI summary
In a variable-position ironing board and a garment steamer, a back side of an ironing board body is rotatably connected to a support structure to allow the ironing board body to be transformed between first and second positions; and a first link and a second link of a locating mechanism are located on the back side of the ironing board body and rotatably connected to the support structure and the ironing board body to form a quadrangle which deforms with the change of the position of the ironing board body, and at least one edge of the quadrangle is provided with a locating portion which, when the ironing board body is transformed between the first position and the second position, leans against an opposite edge of the quadrangle to prevent the quadrangle from deformation so as to locate the ironing board body in the first position or the second position.