Steam Iron Boiler Structure for Dry Steam and Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam irons suffer from contamination of steam with water droplets and uneven heat distribution due to the structure and heating element design, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in maintaining the right water level in the boiler compartment.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lighter iron structure with a fluid-tight boiler compartment formed by a soleplate and cover portion, featuring a duct with a lateral wall to prevent overfilling, a control button with a pin mechanism for adjustable steam flow, and a heating element with linear extensions for uniform heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boiler compartment is filled to maximum capacity with water, then steam production is maximized, but water droplets contaminate the steam exiting from the soleplate
Solution Approach 1:
The boiler compartment is segmented into a water storage zone and a steam generation zone by the lateral wall extending into the duct. This segmentation allows water to be held at a controlled level while steam is generated and directed to the soleplate, preventing water droplet contamination while maintaining steam production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral wall extending into the duct acts as an intermediary structure that separates the water reservoir from the steam flow path. It creates a physical barrier that prevents water from entering the steam delivery system while still allowing heat transfer to occur efficiently.
2Loss of information
If a window or measuring cup is provided to monitor water level, then the user can see the water level, but the user may still overfill the boiler compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service water level control through the lateral wall structure that automatically prevents overfilling. The wall's extension into the duct creates a physical stop that limits water intake, eliminating the need for user judgment or external measuring devices while maintaining clear water level visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral wall structure implements preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing a physical barrier against overfilling before it can occur. The wall extends into the duct to create a maximum water level threshold, preventing the harmful effect of overfilling before it can compromise steam quality.
3Productivity
If the heating element is positioned to heat the boiler, then steam generation is efficient, but heat distribution along the heating element path is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed with varying local properties along its path, with increased heating power or extended residence time in regions where more heat is needed. This local quality adjustment ensures uniform heat distribution throughout the boiler compartment, preventing hot spots and cold zones while maintaining overall heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system employs dynamic control of heat distribution, adjusting the heating element's power output or position based on real-time temperature feedback from different zones of the boiler. This dynamic adjustment ensures uniform heat distribution while maintaining efficient steam generation rates.
4Weight of moving object
If the iron structure is made compact and lighter, then ease of use is improved, but the boiler compartment volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and control mechanisms are nested within the boiler compartment structure, with the heating element positioned to maximize space utilization. The lateral wall and duct system are integrated into the compact design, allowing efficient steam generation in a reduced volume while maintaining the iron's lightweight and portable characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for reduced boiler volume by changing operational parameters, such as increasing heating power density or optimizing water flow rates. These parameter adjustments maintain steam generation efficiency despite the smaller compartment size, allowing the iron to remain compact and lightweight.
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
Prevents steam contamination by ensuring the water level does not exceed a predetermined maximum, allows for adjustable steam flow, and achieves uniform heat distribution across the soleplate, enhancing the iron's functionality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
functionally associated with an electric heating element for heating the water
Implementation Method 2
the water reaches boiling temperature and in which a hot water-steam balance is established
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
There is described an improved iron structure comprising a soleplate (2) provided with through holes (19) for steam adapted to come into contact with the fabrics to be treated, a boiler (12) adapted to produce steam fluidly connected to the soleplate (2), a duct (10) for introducing water into the boiler (12), heating means (7) and a control button (4, 9) functionally connected to the boiler (12) and arranged to obtain the delivery of steam through the through holes (19) of the soleplate (2). In particular, the boiler (12) is produced as fluid-tight coupling between the soleplate (2) and a cover portion (6) to form a boiler compartment (12') in which the water is boiled and in which during use of the iron the hot water-steam balance is established.