Steam Heating Tool Steam Volume Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam heating tools for masks do not effectively balance steam generation and space volume, leading to inadequate steam delivery and comfort, with previous technologies either producing too much steam or not enough, and failing to provide consistent relief for dryness in the nose and throat.
Innovation Solution
A steam heating tool with a cover member and a steam generator that satisfies specific formulae for cumulative steam generation and space volume, ensuring a balanced delivery of steam to the nose and mouth, improving the feeling of steam, relaxation, and reducing dryness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a steam generator is placed in a mask body with a hollow preserved three-dimensional shape, then steam can be generated and supplied to the user, but the balance between steam generation amount and space volume is inadequate, leading to either too much or too little steam delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific mathematical relationships between steam generation amount (VG) and space volume (MV) through formulas (1) and (2). These formulas define optimal ranges for VG/MV ratios, transforming the vague concept of 'steam supply balance' into quantifiable parameters that can be precisely controlled and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a standardized model for steam mask design by copying the successful ratio relationship VG/MV = 5-25 from experimental data. This copied ratio becomes a design criterion that can be applied across different mask designs, ensuring consistent steam delivery effectiveness without requiring extensive re-testing for each new design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If steam generation amount is increased to provide sufficient steam relief, then dryness in nose and throat can be reduced, but the mask may produce too much steam causing discomfort or waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the VG/MV ratio as a control parameter that reflects the actual steam delivery effectiveness. By continuously monitoring and adjusting steam generation to maintain the optimal ratio range, the system automatically adapts to different space volumes and user needs, preventing both over-generation and under-generation of steam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by defining a specific optimal range (5-25) for the VG/MV ratio rather than maximizing steam generation indefinitely. This partial approach recognizes that beyond a certain point, additional steam generation provides diminishing returns and may even cause discomfort, so the system intentionally limits steam production to the optimal range.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mask design is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the ability to maintain consistent steam delivery and comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the steam generation function from the mask body structure. The steam generator is designed as a distinct component with its own housing that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the mask body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately for manufacturing ease while ensuring proper integration for reliable steam delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal steam generator design that can be applied to multiple different mask designs and space volumes. By establishing the VG/MV ratio as a universal design criterion, the same steam generator component can be used across various mask configurations, maintaining consistent steam delivery performance without requiring custom-designed generators for each mask variant.
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 tool effectively supplies steam to the user, enhancing the feeling of relaxation and reducing dryness in the nose and throat by optimizing steam generation and space volume, providing a comfortable and effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator that is held on a surface of the cover portion on a side of the user... VG represents a cumulative steam generation amount [mg] released into the space for 10 minutes from a start of steam generation of the steam generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steam heating tool includes a cover member that has a cover portion covering a mouth and a nose of a user, and a steam generator that is held on a surface of the cover portion on a side of the user, in which a space interposed between the cover portion and a face of the user is formed at a time of use, and the steam heating tool satisfies following formulae (1) to (3). 300≤VG≤1,500 40≤MV≤150 5≤VG/MV≤25 In the formulae (1) to (3), VG represents a cumulative steam generation amount [mg] released into the space for 10 minutes from a start of steam generation of the steam generator, and MV represents a volume [mL] of the space.