Steaming device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steaming devices, such as steam irons, face issues with inadequate steam generation and water spillage when the sole plate is not in its horizontal position, due to gravity affecting the trajectory and spreading of water on the heated surface, leading to insufficient evaporation and excessive water accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A steaming device equipped with an orientation detector and a control unit that adjusts the pump flow rate based on the orientation of the heated surface, reducing the flow rate when the surface is inclined or vertical to ensure consistent steam generation and prevent water spillage, while maintaining efficient evaporation by maximizing water contact with the heated surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump operates at high flow rate to generate high steam rates, then steam generation is improved, but water accumulates at the bottom of the steam generator when the device is in inclined or vertical position
Solution Approach 1:
The pump flow rate is made dynamically adjustable based on the detected orientation of the steaming device. When the device is in horizontal position, the pump operates at high flow rate for maximum steam generation. When the device is detected to be in inclined or vertical position, the pump flow rate is automatically reduced to prevent water accumulation, thus resolving the contradiction between high productivity and water spitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameter of the pump (flow rate) is changed based on the orientation parameter detected by the sensor. The control system adjusts the pump flow rate parameter according to the device orientation, switching between high flow rate for horizontal position and low flow rate for inclined/vertical positions, thereby preventing water accumulation while maintaining high steam generation capability when needed.
2Productivity
If water is dosed vertically onto the heated surface in the direction of gravity when the device is in ironing position, then steam generation is maximized, but water does not spread adequately across the heated surface when the device is in inclined or vertical position
Solution Approach 1:
The pump flow rate is dynamically adjusted according to the device orientation detected by the orientation detector. In horizontal ironing position, high flow rate ensures adequate water spreading and maximum steam generation. In inclined or vertical positions, the flow rate is reduced to allow gravity to assist water spreading across the heated surface, preventing water accumulation while maintaining sufficient steam generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump flow rate parameter is changed based on orientation detection. When the device transitions from horizontal to inclined or vertical position, the control unit reduces the pump flow rate parameter, allowing water to spread more effectively under gravitational influence while still generating sufficient steam for the given orientation.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at high flow rate to ensure sufficient water contact with heated surface, then evaporation efficiency is improved, but water spillage increases when device is in inclined position
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates dynamically at high flow rate only when the device is detected to be in horizontal ironing position, maximizing evaporation efficiency. When the device is in inclined or vertical position, the pump flow rate is automatically reduced to low level, preventing water spillage while maintaining sufficient evaporation for the given orientation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between evaporation efficiency and water spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump flow rate parameter is adjusted based on orientation detection. In horizontal position, high flow rate ensures adequate water contact and evaporation efficiency. In inclined or vertical positions, the flow rate parameter is reduced to prevent water spillage, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining evaporation efficiency and preventing water spillage.
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 solution allows for effective steam generation irrespective of the device's orientation, minimizing water spillage and ensuring consistent ironing performance by optimizing water flow and contact with the heated surface, even when the device is not in its standard horizontal position.
Implementation Method 1
water fed from a water receiving chamber to the steam generator is converted into steam
Implementation Method 2
water fed from a water receiving chamber to the steam generator is converted into steam
Implementation Method 3
A steam generator having a heated surface, a pump configured to direct fluid against the heated surface to generate steam
Implementation Method 4
when the steaming device is in an inclined or vertical position during use, in which the sole plate lies at an angle to the horizontal plane, gravity affects the path or trajectory of water pumped towards the heated surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to a steaming device. The steaming device comprises a steam generator (8) having a heated surface (6), a pump configured to direct fluid against the heated surface (6) to generate steam, an orientation detector to detect orientation of the heated surface (6), and a control unit. The control unit is configured to operate the pump to adjust the flow rate of the pump in dependence on the orientation of the heated surface determined by the orientation detector.