Steam Iron Water Tank Illumination for Temperature State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam irons lack a clear and intuitive method to visually indicate their power state and temperature, making it difficult for users to understand the appliance's status without relying on additional signals or complex controls.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller and illumination device, such as LEDs, within the iron to illuminate the water tank in colors that represent the power condition and temperature of the sole plate, allowing users to visually assess the appliance's state through color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional steam irons are used without color indication, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot easily determine the power state and temperature of the appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing illumination to indicate different operational states of the iron. The illumination device emits different colors (e.g., blue for low temperature, red for high temperature) to provide intuitive visual feedback about the sole plate temperature and power state, directly resolving the information visibility issue while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device acts as an intermediary element between the temperature sensor/controller and the user. Instead of requiring users to interpret complex sensor data or control settings, the system uses color-coded light as a mediator to convey temperature and power state information in an immediately understandable format.
2Ease of operation
If color illumination is added to indicate temperature and power state, then user understanding of appliance status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates power state (on/off), temperature levels (low/medium/high), and can potentially signal operational modes. This multi-functionality approach consolidates multiple status indicators into a single visual system, improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light color to encode different operational states. By varying the wavelength/color of the illumination rather than using multiple separate indicators, the system achieves comprehensive status communication through a single adjustable parameter, thereby improving user understanding without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Loss of information
If multiple indicators are used to show power state and temperature, then information completeness is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single illumination device that changes color to convey multiple pieces of information. Different colors represent different temperature ranges and power states, allowing the system to communicate complete status information through color variation alone, thereby avoiding the need for multiple separate indicators and maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Provides a simple and intuitive way for users to determine the power state and temperature of the steam iron, enhancing usability and safety by using color cues, ensuring the iron is safely stored when cooled.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron
Implementation Method 2
a heater for heating the sole plate
Implementation Method 3
a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate
Implementation Method 4
water can be admitted from the water tank to outlets of the sole plate whereupon it vaporizes and issues as steam
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.