De Montfort University design graduate Safaa Fojdar has developed a prototype for a portable device that uses suction to remove wrinkles from garments on the go.
The cordless device, called Elide, features a vacuum-style nozzle attachment that funnels warm air onto the clothing, while gentle suction removes light creases at a skin-safe maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius.
A refillable spray bottle integrated into the cap allows users to lightly dampen the fabric with water before hand, helping to release creases.
Fojdar told Dezeen she came up with the idea for Elide because she couldn't find any products on the market that can be used to reduce visible creases from clothes while still wearing them.
"If you're going to a formal event or an interview and your shirt gets creased in the car or on the train, there's not really anything out there that's effective and doesn't damage your clothing," she pointed out.
Her solution is based on the Coandă effect, which describes the way that liquid tends to hug nearby surface curves rather than flying straight off.
In this context, the introduction of moisture combined with suction from the nozzle pulls the fabric taut, while the warm air dries the misted water to lock the fabric flat.
"I wanted to tackle on-body use as safely as possible," Fojdar explained. "The nozzle attachment and the use of suction make it comfortable and easy to use because you can hold the fabric in place while removing wrinkles."
Fojdar argues that this solution for on-body crease removal offers an alternative to existing products such as wrinkle-release sprays, which can leave residue on clothing and need to be refilled regularly.
While the cordless operation is suited to quick touch-ups throughout the day, deeper creases are best tackled by using the device as a compact iron, which involves adding a hot plate attachment and plugging it into a socket to deliver the power required to reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius.
The ironing module features self-locking hinges that allow the hot plate to be folded away for compact storage, or opened up to create a flat surface that ensures a crisp finish.
Fojdar presented a working, 3D-printed prototype of Elide as part of De Montfort University's display at the New Designers event in London, which showcases the best emerging design talent in the UK.
Other exhibitors included James Murphy, who showed a children's chair that unfolds into a playset, and Carrie Lee with her satisfyingly minimal focus timer.