Steam Outlet Flow Path for High-Output, Spit-Free Fabric Steaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam irons face challenges in generating high steam flow rates without increasing the size and weight, leading to cumbersome devices that are difficult to maneuver and store, as liquid water accumulation in the steam chamber can result in 'spitting' of hot water and inefficient steam generation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an outlet flow section with an indirect path between the steam chamber and steam vents, heated by a single heater that evaporates liquid water more efficiently, using a labyrinth or serpentine configuration and porous layers to increase evaporation time and prevent droplet ejection, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the heated plate is increased to evaporate more liquid water in the steam chamber, then the steam generation capacity is improved, but the size and weight of the steam iron increases making it cumbersome to manoeuvre and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indirect flow path that extends the travel distance of liquid water from the steam chamber to the steam vents. This dimensional extension allows more evaporation time and space without increasing the footprint or weight of the heated plate, thereby resolving the contradiction between steam generation capacity and device portability
2Productivity
If the size of the heated plate is increased to evaporate more liquid water in the steam chamber, then the steam generation capacity is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome to manoeuvre and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the flow path dimensionally rather than increasing the plate surface area, the invention achieves higher steam generation capacity while maintaining a compact form factor that is easy to manoeuvre and store
3Productivity
If liquid water is supplied to the heated plate at a high flow rate to generate a large amount of steam, then the steam output is improved, but liquid water accumulates in the steam chamber and flows out of the steam vents onto the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The indirect flow path is designed to预先 provide sufficient evaporation time and heating surface contact opportunity for liquid water before it reaches the steam vents. This preliminary evaporation action prevents liquid water accumulation and ejection, allowing high flow rate water supply to be converted efficiently into steam
Solution Approach 2:
The indirect flow path acts as an intermediary zone between the steam chamber and steam vents, providing a controlled environment where liquid water can be evaporated before exiting. This intermediary structure ensures that only steam, not liquid water, reaches the fabric
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 steam device generates more steam than conventional models with similar-sized steam generating surfaces, preventing liquid water accumulation and reducing the risk of hot water spitting, while maintaining a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that is configured to heat the outlet flow section such that liquid water which enters the outlet flow section from the steam chamber is evaporated into steam
Implementation Method 2
a heater that is configured to heat the outlet flow section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present application relates to a steam device (1) comprising a steam chamber (8) having a steam generating surface onto which liquid water is provided to be evaporated into steam. The steam device (1) further comprises a fabric treating plate (4) comprising a fabric treating face (4A) and at least one steam vent (6) through which steam is expelled onto a fabric to be steamed. The steam device (1) further comprises an outlet flow section (21) located between the steam generating surface and the fabric treating face (4A). The outlet flow section ( 21) defines an indirect flow path (C) between the steam chamber (8) and the at least one steam vent (6). The steam device (1) further comprises a heater for heating the outlet flow section (21) such that liquid water which enters the outlet flow section (21)from the steam chamber (8) is evaporated into steam.The outlet flow section (21) comprises at least one boundary surface (20B) with a plurality of recesses (28A) for reducing the flow rate of liquid water travelling through the outlet flow section (21). This invention allows generating more steam than conventional steam devices.