Stand steamer with pivotable board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment steamers with vertically hung ironing boards create user inconveniences due to limited adjustability and stability during steaming.
Innovation Solution
A garment steamer with a foldable arm element and rotatable lever allows for easy adjustment of the ironing board's angle from nearly vertical to horizontal, enabling one-handed operation and firm locking at desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ironing board is hanged vertically on the pole assembly, then the device structure is simplified, but the user convenience and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arm element is designed as a foldable structure that can dynamically change between folded and unfolded configurations, allowing the board to transition between vertical and inclined positions. This dynamic mechanism provides adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If the arm element is made foldable to enable board angle adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm element is segmented into a first portion and a second portion connected by a second pivot coupling, allowing independent movement and folding of each segment. This segmentation enables compact folding while maintaining structural integrity and relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable lever automatically engages with the first portion to create facilitating force during board angle adjustment, and the catch element automatically locks the arm element in position. These self-service features reduce the need for complex control mechanisms while improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the board is fixed in vertical position, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different steaming needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable arm element with pivot couplings enables the board to dynamically adjust between vertical (0-10 degrees) and inclined (10-90 degrees) positions, providing adaptability for different garment types and steaming requirements while maintaining a simple fixed-structure appearance when folded.
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 convenient, single-handed adjustment and secure locking of the ironing board at various angles, enhancing user experience and usability by accommodating different steaming needs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable lever (105) attached to the board for creating a force against said first portion (P1) to facilitate the rotation of said first portion (P1) around said third pivot coupling (C3)
Implementation Method 2
a first pivot coupling (C1) extending along an horizontal axis (X1)... connected with each other via a second pivot coupling (C2)... connected to the board via a third pivot coupling (C3)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a garment steamer (100) comprising a base (101), a pole assembly (102) mounted on said base (101), a board (103) connected to said pole assembly (102) via a first pivot coupling (C1) extending along an horizontal axis (X1), and an arm element (104) arranged between said pole assembly (102) and said board (103). The arm element (104) comprises a foldable structure adapted to take a folded configuration in which the length (L) of 5 the arm element (104) has a first value (L1) resulting in that the board (103) takes a first angular position compared to the pole assembly (102), and an unfolded configuration in which the length (L) of the arm element (104) has a second value (L2) resulting in that the board (103) takes a second angular position compared to the pole assembly (102).