Variable-Stiffness Water Pressurization for Stable Steam Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment care devices, such as steam irons, face challenges in achieving a consistent and optimal steam profile due to the linearly decreasing water pressure, which affects the steam pattern and efficiency in dewrinkling garments.
Innovation Solution
A system with a pressurization unit that includes a chamber and an actuator cooperating with a retention member, where the retention member's stiffness coefficient varies with displacement, allowing for controlled force application to the actuator, enabling purposive control of pressurized water flow to the steam generator, thereby achieving a desired steam profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water is supplied under gravity or linearly decreasing pressure, then the system is simple, but the steam profile is inconsistent and cannot achieve optimal dewrinkling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a spring mechanism that provides dynamically varying pressure to the water supply system. The spring's compression and expansion create non-linear pressure variations that optimize steam generation at different stages of the ironing cycle, transforming the static gravity-based pressure system into a dynamic pressure control system that adapts to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the pressure parameter throughout the water supply process. The spring mechanism causes pressure to increase during water filling and decrease during water delivery, creating a controlled pressure profile that optimizes steam generation. This parameter variation allows consistent steam profile control without requiring complex electronic pressure regulation systems.
2Power
If a constant force retention member is used, then the system structure is simple, but the steam output cannot provide an initial boost for enhanced steaming effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the retention member with non-uniform stiffness distribution along its length. Different sections of the retention member have different stiffness characteristics, allowing it to provide varying force levels at different stages of compression. This enables the system to deliver high initial force for steam boost while maintaining simpler overall structure compared to active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials or composite structural design in the retention member to achieve non-linear elastic characteristics. By combining materials or structural elements with different mechanical properties, the retention member exhibits varying stiffness during compression, enabling the desired force profile for optimized steam generation without complex mechanical linkages.
3Use of energy by moving object
If water pressure decreases linearly, then the system operates passively, but energy efficiency is reduced due to poor steam generation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a pressurization system that automatically regulates water pressure without external control inputs. The spring-based retention member self-regulates pressure based on water level and delivery stage, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, or control algorithms. This passive yet intelligent pressure control optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
This solution allows for a consistent and stable steam output, providing an initial steam boost for enhanced steaming effect while maintaining energy efficiency and reducing the risk of poor steam generation, thus improving the performance of steam irons, especially cordless models.
Implementation Method 1
The retention member has a stiffness coefficient that varies as a function of displacement of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
According to the present invention, there is provided a system for a garment care device comprising a steam generator. The system comprises a pressurization unit. The pressurization unit comprises: a chamber for receiving water from a water supply system and for delivering the received water towards the steam generator; an actuator cooperating with a retention member. The actuator is adapted to displace and load the retention member when water is received in the chamber. The retention member is adapted to unload and apply a force to the actuator after water has been received in the chamber to pressurise water received in the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for a garment care device (20, 25) comprising a steam generator (7). The system (1) comprises a pressurization unit (2). The pressurization unit (2) comprises a chamber (3) for receiving water from a water supply system (5) and for delivering the received water towards the steam generator (7), and an actuator (8) cooperating with a retention member (9). The actuator (8) is adapted to displace and load the retention member (9) when water is received in the chamber (3). The retention member (9) is adapted to unload and apply a force to the actuator (8) after water has been received in the chamber (3) to pressurise water received in the chamber (3). The retention member (9) has a stiffness coefficient that varies as a function of displacement of the actuator (8). This invention allows that the flow of pressurized water from the chamber to the steam generator is more purposively controlled so that a given desired steam profile can be generated.