Steam Iron Filtration Grid Layout to Prevent Scale Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irons with steam distribution circuits and filtration grids face rapid clogging due to scale particles, leading to reduced steam flow and operational issues, as the filtration grids are prone to obstruction when the iron is stored vertically.

Innovation Solution

The iron features a filtration grid extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the soleplate, with multiple filtration grids of varying mesh sizes arranged in series, and a non-stick coating to prevent scale particle accumulation and clogging, allowing scale particles to fall by gravity when the iron is vertical and ensuring efficient steam flow during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filtration grid is arranged horizontally at the outlet of the vaporization chamber, then scale particles are retained effectively, but the filtration grid becomes quickly clogged when the iron is stored vertically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidfiltration grid service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration grid is inverted from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement parallel to the soleplate's longitudinal direction. This inversion changes the interaction between gravity and scale particles: during storage, particles fall away from the grid rather than accumulating on it, preventing clogging while maintaining filtration effectiveness during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation parameter of the filtration grid is changed from horizontal to vertical (parallel to the longitudinal direction of the soleplate). This parameter change fundamentally alters how scale particles interact with the grid under different gravitational conditions, resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and clogging resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the filtration grid mesh size is reduced to retain smaller scale particles, then filtration precision improves, but the grid clogs more quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration precisionVSAvoidfiltration grid service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the grid orientation to vertical, the system allows scale particles to naturally fall away from the mesh openings during storage due to gravity. This prevents even fine mesh grids from clogging, enabling the use of smaller mesh sizes for better filtration without sacrificing service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of moving object

If the iron is stored vertically on its heel, then space efficiency improves, but scale particles obstruct the filtration grid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoidsteam flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical orientation of the filtration grid parallel to the soleplate creates a configuration where gravity causes scale particles to fall away from the grid during vertical storage, rather than obstructing it. This resolves the contradiction by making vertical storage beneficial for preventing clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If a non-stick coating is applied to the filtration grid, then scale particle adhesion is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to cloggingVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration grid combines the base mesh material with a non-stick coating layer, creating a composite structure. This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength of the grid and the anti-adhesion properties of the coating, effectively reducing scale particle accumulation while remaining manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This configuration prevents rapid clogging of the filtration grids, maintaining steam flow and extending the iron's operational life by allowing scale particles to be stored away from the filtration paths, reducing the risk of laundry staining and maintaining performance over several years.

Implementation Method 1

the scale particles fall by gravity from the filtration grid when the iron rests on its heel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a non-stick coating to prevent scale particle accumulation and clogging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-stick coating: Coatings

Data Source

PatentEP2578745B1Iron comprising a steam distribution circuit including a filtering screen

Publication Date: 2015.04.22 SEB SA

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AI summary

The iron has a sharpened sole surmounted by a plastic housing including a rear end that is provided with a bead on which the iron rests vertically during inactive ironing phases. A steam distribution circuit comprises filtering screens (8, 9) for retaining tartar particles, where the filtering screens extend parallel to longitudinal direction of the sole. The filtering screens are arranged such that the filtering screens are crossed upward by vapor when the iron rests horizontally on the sole.