Steam Generator Iron Power Control for High Steam Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam ironing appliances have insufficient steam flow rates despite high total power allocation, limiting their effectiveness during high steam demand.
Innovation Solution
An ironing appliance with a tank and separate electric resistances for heating, where the first resistance has a power of between 2100 W and 2800 W, and the second and third resistances are controlled to ensure simultaneous non-supply, allowing for higher steam flow rates by optimizing electrical power distribution based on temperature and pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the second and third electrical resistances are controlled to prevent simultaneous supply, then the total power allocation to the tank increases, but the steam flow rate remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter of the first electrical resistance from conventional values (800-1000 W) to a higher range (2100-2800 W). This parameter change allows the first resistance to provide sufficient heating power to the tank independently, enabling steam flow rates greater than 200 g/min when the second resistance is supplied, thereby resolving the contradiction between total power allocation and steam flow rate
2Productivity
If the first electrical resistance power is increased to 2100-2800 W, then the steam flow rate increases to greater than 200 g/min, but the device complexity increases due to higher power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating function into three independent electrical resistances (first, second, and third) with distinct functions and control mechanisms. The first resistance (2100-2800 W) is dedicated to tank heating, while the second and third resistances (300-1000 W each) handle supplementary tank heating and iron soleplate heating respectively. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each heating zone, managing device complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the electrical resistances based on real-time temperature measurements from the tank and iron. The control device adjusts which resistances are supplied and at what power levels according to operational conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying steam demand and temperature requirements, thereby managing complexity through intelligent dynamic adjustment rather than fixed high-power configuration
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 appliance achieves steam flow rates greater than 200 g/min, specifically between 240 g/min and 280 g/min, effectively addressing the insufficient steam flow issue in prior appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric resistance and a second electric resistance configured to electrically heat the tank
Implementation Method 2
a first electric resistance and a second electric resistance configured to electrically heat the tank
Implementation Method 3
a third electric resistance configured to electrically heat the ironing soleplate
Implementation Method 4
a tank for the production of pressurized steam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This ironing appliance (2) comprises a tank (7) for producing pressurized steam; first and second electrical resistances (R1, R2) configured to electrically heat the tank (7); an iron (4) comprising an ironing soleplate (11) and a third electrical resistor (R3) configured to electrically heat the ironing soleplate (11); a steam conduit (5) connecting the bowl (7) to the iron (4); a control device (16) configured to control the power supply of the first, second and third electric resistances (R1, R2, R3), the control device (16) controlling the power supply of the second and third electric resistances (R2 , R3) so that the second and third electrical resistors (R2, R3) are never supplied simultaneously; and first measuring means configured to measure the temperature and/or pressure of the tank (7) and second measuring means configured to measure the temperature of the ironing soleplate (11).