Steam crease removal device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Steam-emitting appliances with instantaneous vaporization chambers experience water droplet ejection issues when tilted, due to incomplete vaporization and rapid steam generation from accumulated water, leading to inefficient steam flow and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A steam ironing device with a controlled electric pump that adjusts its flow rate based on the electrical resistance's power state, reducing water injection when the resistance is off and increasing steam production when powered, thereby minimizing water accumulation and droplet ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump operates at high flow rate continuously, then high steam flow is produced, but water accumulates in the vaporization chamber causing droplet ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The pump flow rate is made dynamic by adjusting it according to the heating element's operational state. The control unit increases pump flow rate when the heating element is powered to maximize steam production, and decreases it when the heating element is off to prevent water accumulation and droplet ejection through the steam outlet holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the control unit monitors the heating element's power state (via thermostat signals) and adjusts the pump flow rate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the pump operates at optimal flow rate based on real-time vaporization capacity, preventing water accumulation while maintaining high steam output when heating is active.
2Ease of operation
If the device is used while tilted, then ease of operation is improved, but water accumulates in the vaporization chamber due to incomplete heating contact
Solution Approach 1:
The pump flow rate is dynamically adjusted based on the heating element's operational state detected by the control unit. When tilted during use, if the heating element is not properly contacting water, the thermostat will indicate reduced heating demand, causing the control unit to reduce pump flow rate and prevent water accumulation that would lead to droplet ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pump's operating parameter (flow rate) in response to changes in device orientation and heating efficiency. The control unit detects variations in heating element performance and adjusts pump flow rate accordingly, maintaining reliable operation whether the device is upright or tilted.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the thermostat frequently cuts the heating, then energy consumption is reduced, but water accumulates quickly in the vaporization chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from the thermostat about the heating element's power state and adjusts pump flow rate in real-time. When the thermostat cuts heating to save energy, the control unit simultaneously reduces pump flow rate to match the reduced vaporization capacity, preventing water accumulation even during energy-saving cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates dynamically with variable flow rate that responds to heating element operational state. During energy-saving periods when heating is reduced or interrupted, the pump automatically reduces its flow rate to prevent water accumulation, while maintaining high flow rate when full heating power is applied.
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 ensures consistent high steam flow without water droplet ejection, improving ergonomics and performance by controlling the pump's flow rate in response to the electrical resistance's power state, maintaining efficient vaporization and reducing the risk of water accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating body comprising an instantaneous vaporization chamber and an electrical resistance regulated by means of a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the vaporization chamber around a setpoint temperature
Implementation Method 2
an electric pump for injecting liquid into the vaporization chamber
Implementation Method 3
an electrical resistance regulated by means of a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the vaporization chamber around a setpoint temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Steam ironing and/or garment steaming apparatus comprising a handle (2) connected to a steam emission head (3) having a treatment face (30A) intended to come vertically opposite a garment to be steamed and comprising at least one steam outlet orifice (31), the steam emission head (3) comprising a heating body (6) comprising an instant vaporization chamber and an electric resistance (62) regulated by means of a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the vaporization chamber (60) around a set temperature, the apparatus comprising an electric pump (5) for injecting liquid into the vaporization chamber (60),characterized in that the pump (5) is controlled by a control circuit which receives information relating to the power supply status of the electrical resistance (62) from the thermostat and in that the control circuit modifies the operating conditions of the pump (5) according to the power supply status of the electrical resistance (62), the pump (5) operating at a first flow rate when the electrical resistance (62) is supplied with current and at a second flow rate when the electrical resistance (62) is not supplied with current, the second flow rate being lower than the first flow rate.