Steam Iron Support with Front-Facing Reservoir Level Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam ironing appliances do not allow users to easily check the liquid level in the reservoir during active ironing phases, as the transparent or translucent outer peripheral wall is only accessible from the side, not from the front where the user is facing the appliance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a viewing opening in the support part above the reservoir, which provides visual access to the liquid level, allowing users to check the level without repositioning, with a transparent or translucent viewing wall extending along the periphery of the opening for clear visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent outer peripheral wall is used to allow side viewing of liquid level, then visual access is provided from the side, but the user cannot check the level when facing the appliance during active ironing phases
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing function is segmented into two separate locations: the transparent outer peripheral wall for side viewing during inactive phases, and the viewing opening in the support part for front viewing during active phases. This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriate viewing access for different operational states without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing opening is positioned in a different spatial dimension (front direction through the support part) compared to the traditional side viewing through the transparent wall. This dimensional change enables front-facing visibility during active ironing while preserving the side viewing capability when the iron is at rest.
2Ease of manufacture
If the transparent wall is positioned on the side for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but the user must reposition to check the level during active ironing
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing opening is merged into the support part structure, combining the support function with the viewing function in one integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate viewing mechanisms while providing front-facing access during active ironing, thus saving time without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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
Enables users to easily and quickly view the liquid level in the reservoir during both active and inactive ironing phases, enhancing usability and convenience by allowing front-facing visibility.
Implementation Method 1
the viewing wall being transparent or translucent so as to allow a user to visually check a level of liquid in the reservoir through the viewing aperture
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This ironing appliance comprises a steam generating base (3) and an iron connected to the steam generating base (3), the steam generating base (3) comprising a tank (6) and a support part (7 ) arranged in an inclined manner above the tank (6) and on which the iron can be placed during inactive phases of ironing. The support part (7) has a viewing opening (13) providing visual access to the contents of the tank (6) when the iron is removed from the support part (7).