Removable Steam Filtration Element to Reduce Cleaning Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam appliances require frequent cleaning of the filtration element, which reduces the appliance's lifespan and is inconvenient for users if not cleaned regularly.
Innovation Solution
The filtration element is positioned between the vaporization chamber and the vapor diffusion element, allowing for a larger filtration surface and reducing cleaning frequency, while using smaller passage openings to trap fine particles without clogging, and a collection container is integrated to collect limescale particles, facilitating cleaning and extending the appliance's life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filtration element is arranged in the heel of the steam iron, then the filter element can be easily removed and cleaned, but the filtration surface area is limited requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration element is repositioned from the heel area to the vaporization chamber area, utilizing the three-dimensional space above the heating element. This spatial relocation allows the filter to achieve a much larger surface area while remaining accessible for removal through the removable cap mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration element is positioned within the vaporization chamber space, nesting the filter structure within the existing appliance geometry. The filter sits in the available volume above the heating element, maximizing filtration surface area without increasing overall appliance footprint.
2Reliability
If the passage openings are made small to trap fine particles, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the openings clog more easily requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple passage openings are arranged in parallel on the filtration element, creating a redundant filtration system. When some openings become partially blocked by scale particles, others remain open, maintaining overall filtration efficiency while reducing the frequency at which the entire filter must be cleaned.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration element uses a combination of small passage openings for fine particle capture and larger surface area for overall filtration capacity. The increased surface area compensates for the reduced individual opening size, allowing fine particle trapping without proportional increase in clogging frequency.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a large filtration surface is used, then cleaning frequency is reduced, but the filter element becomes larger and more difficult to remove and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration element is designed as a separate, removable component distinct from the main appliance body. The filter can be individually extracted through the removable cap without disassembling other parts of the steam iron, making maintenance convenient despite the larger filter size.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cap serves dual functions: it acts as the closure for the vaporization chamber during operation and serves as the access mechanism for removing the filtration element for cleaning. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall structure while enabling easy filter maintenance.
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 configuration significantly reduces the cleaning frequency of the filtration element, prevents premature clogging, and extends the steam appliance's service life by allowing the use of a larger filtration surface and effective collection of fine particles.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration element arranged in the steam distribution circuit and downstream of the vaporization chamber with respect to the direction of flow of the steam flow, the filtration element being removable and comprising passage openings configured to retain scale particles entrained by the flow of steam
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The steam appliance (2) comprises a steam-generation chamber (16); a steam distribution circuit in which a flow of steam is intended to flow, the steam distribution circuit being fluidically connected to the steam-generation chamber (16) by at least one steam outlet opening (19); a filtration element (22) placed in the steam distribution circuit and downstream of the steam-generation chamber (16) in relation to the direction in which the flow of steam flows, the filtration element (22) being removable and comprising passage openings which are configured to hold back particles of scale carried along by the flow of steam; and a steam diffusion element (8) which is removable and provided with steam outlet holes (11), the steam distribution circuit being configured to supply the steam outlet holes (11) with steam. The filtration element (22) is positioned between the steam-generation chamber (16) and the steam diffusing element (8) and is configured to be removed from the steam distribution circuit and from the steam appliance when the diffusion element (8) is taken off.