Vibrating Steam Frame With Heated Pad for Easier Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam cleaning appliances often require significant physical pressure to remove tough stains, which can be challenging for users such as the elderly or those needing assistance, and may not effectively combine thermal and vibrational elements for enhanced cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating steam frame and attachment for steam appliances that utilize a passageway for fluid medium, including steam, to produce vibrations and incorporate a heating element for enhanced cleaning performance, reducing the need for physical pressure and improving stain removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional steam cleaning appliances are used, then basic cleaning function is provided, but significant physical pressure is required to remove tough stains which is challenging for elderly or those needing assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an off-balance member (such as an impeller or turbine) that is engaged by steam flow to generate vibrations in the steam frame body. This vibration action mechanically agitates the cleaning pad, enabling effective stain removal with reduced physical pressure from the user, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and required force.
2Productivity
If conventional steam cleaning appliances are used, then steam cleaning function is provided, but thermal and vibrational elements are not effectively combined for enhanced cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges thermal and vibrational cleaning elements into a single integrated steam frame assembly. The heating element provides thermal energy while the off-balance member generates vibrations when engaged by steam flow. Both functions are combined in one device that attaches to the steam cleaner, enhancing productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration-generating off-balance member is designed to be self-actuating through steam flow itself. The steam that passes through the frame automatically engages the impeller or turbine, causing it to vibrate without requiring separate power supply or additional complexity. This self-service mechanism combines thermal and vibrational functions efficiently.
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 combination of vibrations and heat significantly reduces the number of strokes required to remove stains, improving cleaning performance by up to 50% and making the process easier for users, particularly those with mobility issues.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element coupled to the body, the heating element configured to increase the temperature of the pad for enhanced cleaning performance
Implementation Method 2
a member in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations throughout the body
Implementation Method 3
the member of the steam frame includes a first portion having a first mass and a second portion having a second mass, where the second mass is different from the first mass. The difference in mass is able to cause the member to be off-balance so as to cause vibration throughout the body of the steam frame
Data Source
AI summary
A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.