Apparatus for steam treatment of laundry comprising a support device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam treatment apparatuses for laundry are not compact during storage due to protruding support devices, which can cause the conduit to become caught during transport or storage.
Innovation Solution
A steam treatment apparatus with a support device that can be removably attached to both the pole and the base, allowing the support device to be positioned directly on the base, keeping the conduit close to the base and preventing entanglement during transport or storage, along with a removable base that can be used independently and features a bracket attachment system for easy assembly and ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support device is attached to the pole and projects laterally, then the tool can be supported stably during use, but the apparatus becomes non-compact and the conduit can become caught during transport or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to be attached to either the pole or the base depending on the operational phase. During active ironing, it attaches to the pole for stable tool support; during storage, it attaches to the base for compact configuration. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stability during use and compactness during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple attachment points: a first attachment element on the pole and a second attachment element on the base. The support device can selectively engage with either segment, enabling it to function in different configurations. This segmentation allows the same component to serve multiple purposes in different spatial arrangements.
2Ease of operation
If the support device projects laterally on one side of the apparatus, then it provides ergonomic support during use, but it prevents compact storage and increases risk of conduit entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a fixed lateral projection to a dynamically reconfigurable component that can change its position and attachment point. During operation, it provides ergonomic lateral support; during storage, it reconfigures to attach to the base, eliminating the protrusion that causes conduit entanglement risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is extracted from its fixed attachment to the pole and made removable, allowing it to be taken out and reattached to the base instead. This extraction enables the conduit to be kept clear and prevents entanglement during transport while maintaining ergonomic support functionality during use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base is fixed to the stand, then the apparatus structure is stable, but it reduces transportability and flexibility of use
Solution Approach 1:
The base-stand connection is made dynamic through a removable attachment mechanism. The base can be firmly attached to the stand for stable operation during ironing, but can also be easily detached for transport or alternative uses. This dynamic connection resolves the contradiction between structural stability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with multi-functionality: it can be attached to the stand for stable apparatus operation, detached for portable use, and serve as an alternative attachment point for the support device during storage. This universal design enables the base to adapt to different operational requirements and transport needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for steam treatment of laundry includes a base containing a water reservoir, connected by a conduit to an ironing and/or smoothing tool including at least one hole for the emission of steam, at least one pole which supports a holding element on which a garment can be hung and/or supported in order to allow it to be treated using the tool, and a support device for placing the tool in a stable manner during inactive ironing and/or smoothing phases, the support device including an attachment member intended to cooperate with a first complementary attachment element supported by the pole in order to allow the support device to be removably attached to the pole, wherein the base includes a second complementary attachment element allowing the support device to be removably attached to the base.