Compact Linen Ironing and Folding Layout for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for feeding, ironing, and folding linen are either too large and cumbersome for space-efficient use or have limited capacity, making them difficult to transport and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a maximum depth of 2.500 mm, featuring a feeding unit with detection and measuring means, an ironing unit with a heated chest and rolls, a folding unit for longitudinal and cross folding, and a stacking unit, which allows for efficient processing of up to 450 pieces of linen per hour per operator or 700-850 sheets per hour with two operators, and can be transported on a standard lorry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a heated roll or heated chest is used for ironing linen, then ironing function is achieved, but the device depth exceeds 3.00 m making it difficult to transport on standard lorries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the device layout by positioning the stacking unit laterally (to the right or left) rather than sequentially in the depth direction. This dimensional change allows the ironing path to be shortened to maximum 2.500 mm while maintaining all functional components, enabling transport on standard lorries with width 2.35-2.40 m
2Ease of operation
If a compact design with maximum depth of 2.500 mm is implemented, then transportability is improved, but processing capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing through automated detection and measuring means that operate continuously as linen passes through the device. The ironing, folding, and stacking operations occur in continuous sequence without interruption, maintaining high capacity of 450 pieces per hour per operator despite the compact 2.500 mm depth
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated detection and measuring means that automatically measure length and width of each linen piece without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the ironing and folding processes based on measured dimensions, eliminating the need for operator measurement and calculation while maintaining high processing speed
3Manufacturing precision
If detection and measuring means are added to measure length and width before ironing, then processing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection and measuring means with the existing feeding unit structure. The measurement system is integrated into the feeding mechanism rather than being added as a separate external system, allowing precision measurement while minimizing additional complexity through unified design
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 device achieves high capacity linen processing on a minimal surface area, allowing for efficient operation and transportation, exceeding the capacity of existing devices while being compact enough to fit on a standard lorry.
Implementation Method 1
a suction system for transferring the piece of linen from the correction roll to the ironing unit by means of suction
Implementation Method 2
a heated chest for ironing the piece of linen introduced into the feeding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A device for feeding, ironing, folding and stacking of linen, having a maximum depth of 2.500 mm, and when viewed in the depth direction thereof, being successively provided with a feeding unit for feeding a piece of linen to be ironed into the device, the feeding unit having detection and measuring means to measure the piece of linen, an ironing unit, having at least one ironing roll and, for each ironing roll, a heated chest for ironing the piece of linen, a folding unit for folding the ironed piece of linen, the folding unit being provided with a longitudinal folding portion located after the ironing mangle for longitudinally folding the ironed piece of linen, and a cross folding portion located below the ironing mangle for cross folding the ironed piece of linen, and a stacking unit located to the right or left of the device for stacking the folded linen.