Steam-Iron Soleplate Hole Pattern for Uniform Steam and Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressing irons with soleplates and steam outlet holes face challenges due to complex and costly heating bodies and steam distribution channels that can be easily blocked by mineral deposits, leading to inefficient steam distribution and heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A soleplate with a pattern of at least 200 steam outlet holes, each with a cross-sectional area less than 4 mm², and a mesh spacing of less than 10 mm, interrupted by a solid band wider than 10 mm, which enhances steam distribution, heat transfer, and rigidity, while simplifying the attachment to the heating body and facilitating mineral particle evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sheet with a very large number of steam outlet holes is used, then uniform steam distribution is achieved, but the heating body becomes complex and costly to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The soleplate is divided into multiple functional zones: a central pattern of steam outlet holes for steam distribution, a peripheral pattern of holes for additional steam delivery, and an intermediate solid band zone for structural support and mineral particle evacuation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall heating body design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the soleplate are assigned different properties: the central and peripheral patterns have high hole density for steam distribution, while the intermediate band has no holes to provide rigidity and facilitate cleaning. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing uniform steam distribution only where needed without requiring complex heating body structures throughout.
2Manufacturing precision
If steam distribution channels with small cross sections are used, then steam distribution is improved, but the channels are rapidly blocked by mineral deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the steam distribution function from enclosed channels and relocates it to the soleplate surface through numerous small holes. This eliminates the problem of channel blockage by mineral deposits, as the holes are open to the atmosphere and do not form closed pathways that can be obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid intermediate band, which might seem to reduce steam distribution area, actually benefits the system by providing a pathway for mineral particle evacuation and preventing blockage of the steam holes. The band acts as a barrier that directs mineral deposits away from the steam outlet holes, converting a potential harm (mineral accumulation) into a benefit (hole protection).
3Ease of manufacture
If the soleplate has high rigidity, then attachment to heating body is simplified, but the soleplate material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The soleplate is segmented into a patterned region with steam holes and an intermediate solid band region. The solid band provides the necessary rigidity and structural support for simplified attachment to the heating body, while the patterned regions use minimal material. This segmentation optimizes the material distribution to achieve both rigidity and material efficiency.
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 provides uniform steam distribution, improved heat transfer, and increased rigidity, ensuring effective ironing and easy cleaning, while reducing the complexity and cost of the heating body, thus enhancing the overall performance and durability of the pressing iron.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution chamber extending, on the lower face of the heating body, opposite the pattern of steam outlet holes
Implementation Method 2
the band that is free of holes being in thermal contact with bearing surfaces projecting into the steam distribution chamber
Implementation Method 3
a soleplate provided with a particular arrangement of steam outlet holes assuring a good distribution of steam toward the fabric as well as a good heat transfer from the heating body toward the soleplate
Data Source
AI summary
Pressing iron composed of a soleplate fixed to a heating body, wherein the soleplate has a pattern of at least 200 steam outlet holes each having a passage cross section smaller than 4 mm2, with spacings of less than 10 mm between hole centers, and wherein the pattern of steam outlet holes is interrupted by an imperforate band having a width greater than 10 mm, which band extends over the pattern.