Textile Steamer Airflow Layout for Wrinkle Removal and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing wrinkles from textiles, such as ironing and steaming, lack efficiency and user convenience, particularly for lighter fabrics like shirts and blouses, as they require manual stretching and may not effectively address wrinkles in wet or damp conditions.
Innovation Solution
An appliance with a textile contact surface and an airflow generating device that directs airflow away from the normal of the contact surface to stretch and dry textiles, optionally combined with a steam producing unit to enhance wrinkle removal, allowing for easy movement along the fabric to target wrinkles without manual stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ironing or steaming methods are used, then wrinkles can be removed from textiles, but manual stretching is required and the process is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance enables self-service by using its own generated airflow to automatically stretch the textile during treatment. The textile is drawn into the appliance by the airflow between the first and second outlets, eliminating the need for manual stretching by the user while maintaining effective wrinkle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies pneumatic principles by using controlled airflow generated within the appliance to stretch and treat the textile. The airflow system creates a pneumatic field that automatically tensions the fabric between the outlets, replacing manual mechanical stretching with automated pneumatic action.
2Reliability
If textiles are treated while wet or damp, then wrinkle removal can be improved, but the textiles take longer to dry and may remain uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance merges two functions into one system: wrinkle removal through steam treatment and drying through airflow. The same airflow that helps stretch and treat the wet textile also accelerates evaporation and drying, allowing both processes to occur simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow operates continuously throughout the treatment process, performing dual functions of stretching and drying. This continuous action ensures that as the textile is being treated for wrinkle removal, it is simultaneously being dried, eliminating idle time and maintaining productive action throughout the entire process.
3Reliability
If heavier airflow is used to stretch textiles, then wrinkle removal improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow is concentrated and directed locally between the first and second outlets where the textile is positioned. Rather than using high-power airflow throughout the entire appliance, the system creates a focused pneumatic field only where needed for stretching and treatment, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective local action.
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 appliance effectively removes wrinkles by combining airflow to stretch and dry textiles, with the option of steam to improve wrinkle removal, making it easier to use on various fabric types, including lighter garments without manual stretching, and can handle wet or damp conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow generating device and a first outlet connected to the airflow generating device. The first outlet is arranged to direct an airflow through the first outlet in an airflow direction
Implementation Method 2
the airflow direction is directed away from a normal of the textile contact surface... the airflow is directed along a textile to be treated to engage the textile to abut against, or at least be positioned adjacent to, the textile contact surface. Thus, the textile is stretched by the airflow engaging with the textile
Implementation Method 3
a steam producing unit for producing steam from water... in a steamer, steam is produced and the steam is emitted from the steamer onto a textile
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
An appliance (2) for treating a textile, the appliance (2) comprising a textile contact surface (10) adapted to interact with the textile to be treated. The appliance (2) comprises an airflow generating device (18) and a first outlet (20) connected to the airflow generating device (18). The first outlet (20) is arranged adjacent to the textile contact surface (10). The first outlet (20) is arranged to direct an airflow through the first outlet (20) in an airflow direction (24), the airflow direction (24) being directed away from a normal (26) of the textile contact surface (10).