System Iron with Rotatable Plate and Hinge-Integrated Steam Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems require separate devices for ironing and steaming, and existing steaming apparatuses cannot perform ironing operations or stably dispose a steam flow channel due to fixed ironing plate positions.

Innovation Solution

A system iron with a rotatable ironing plate and integrated steam generator, featuring a steam flow channel that extends through a hinge shaft, allowing steam to be supplied to nozzles regardless of plate position or operational mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed ironing plate position is used in existing steaming apparatuses, then the steam flow channel can be disposed, but the apparatus cannot perform ironing operations and lacks adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode adaptabilityVSAvoidsteam flow channel disposal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ironing plate is made rotatable relative to the body through a hinge shaft, allowing it to dynamically change position between ironing mode (horizontal) and steaming mode (vertical). This dynamic configuration enables the single apparatus to perform multiple operations while the steam flow channel is designed to accommodate this movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system iron integrates both ironing and steaming functions in a single apparatus. The ironing plate serves dual purposes: as a heating surface for ironing when horizontal, and as a support for hanging garments during steaming when vertical. The steam flow channel and nozzle system supports both operational modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ironing plate position is changed for different operations, then versatility is improved, but stable steam flow channel disposal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode adaptabilityVSAvoidsteam supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge shaft acts as an intermediary component that connects the ironing plate to the body and provides a rotational joint. The steam flow channel is disposed through this hinge shaft, allowing the channel to move with the ironing plate while maintaining continuous steam supply. The steam nozzle on the ironing plate remains properly oriented regardless of plate position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate devices are used for ironing and steaming, then each device can be optimized, but the system requires multiple devices and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction integrationVSAvoidoverall system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ironing and steaming functions into a single system iron. The body houses both the steam generator and the ironing plate. The ironing plate can function as both an ironing surface and a garment hanger, while the steam generator supplies steam to nozzles on the ironing plate for steaming operations, eliminating the need for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable ironing plate is implemented, then operational versatility is improved, but the steam flow channel disposal becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode adaptabilityVSAvoidsteam flow channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge shaft serves as a mediator that accommodates the rotational movement of the ironing plate while housing the steam flow channel. By disposing the steam flow channel through the hinge shaft itself, the design simplifies the overall structure compared to using separate flexible conduits or complex routing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables both ironing and steaming with a single apparatus, ensuring stable steam supply and interference-free operation across different ironing plate positions.

Implementation Method 1

a steam generator for generating steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a steam flow channel for allowing the steam, generated by the steam generator, to be supplied to the steam nozzles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3564435B1System iron
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3564435B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3564435B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3564435B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system iron. The system iron according to the present invention includes a body including a steam generator for generating steam; an ironing plate rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the body; a hinge shaft, which has therein a cavity and which is open at at least one of two ends thereof so as to allow the ironing plate to be rotated, the hinge shaft being provided in a zone on a peripheral surface thereof with a flow through hole; and a steam flow channel, which extends through the open end and the flow through hole in the hinge shaft so as to allow the steam, generated by the steam generator, to be sprayed to the outside of the ironing plate.