MUMBAI, India, Feb. 6 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202541122358 A) filed by Nandha Engineering College, Erode, Tamil Nadu, on Dec. 5, 2025, for 'safety enhanced iron box.'
Inventor(s) include R Vijayalakshmi; K S Balakumaran; B Joshuva Patrick; and S Kruthik.
The application for the patent was published on Feb. 6, under issue no. 06/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "Ironing-related fire accidents and fabric burns are common due to negligence, overheating, or forgetting to turn off the iron box after use. Conventional iron boxes lack automatic safety measures to respond when the user is not handling the appliance, leading to serious safety risks and energy wastage. To address these issues, the "Safety Enhanced Iron Box" has been developed with an intelligent touch-sensing and automatic lifting mechan.ism that ensures user safety and energy efficiency. The system integrates a touch sensor, Arduino-based control unit, servo motor mechanism, and a converter-rectifier power circuit within the iron box. When the user is in contact with the handle, the system allows normal operation. Tf no touch is detected for a predefined time, the microcontroller triggers the servo motors to lift the iron box slightly from the ironing surface and simultaneously cut off power to the heating element. This prevents fabric scorching, overheating, and potential fire hazards. The mechanism is fully enclosed inside the iron box housing, ensuring durability and preserving ergonomic comfort. The touch sensor continuously monitors contact feedback, sending signals to the rnicrocontroller, which uses a timing algorithm to differentiate between active and idle states. The converter-rectifier circuit supplies stable DC voltage for servo actuation while isolating the heating circuit for safety. Additionally, a buzzer or LED alert activates just before the lifting process to notify the user. Once the user resumes contact with the handle, the system automatically lowers the iron box, restores power to the heating coil, and resumes normal operation without manual intervention. The design supports adjustable delay. settings for activation and deactivation through firmware programming, making it flexible for various user preferences. This compact design can be implemented in both dry and steam iron boxes, making it widely applicable. The Safety Enhanced Iron Box demonstrates a novel combination of mechanical automation and electrical safety design, offering a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution. It greatly reduces the risks of unattended heating, conserves electricity, extends the life of the appliance, and enhances household safety standards. The invention serves as a step toward smart home appliances, integrating automation and safety into conventional household devices."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
