Composite Ironer Bed Structure for Heat Transfer and Corrosion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ironer beds face challenges in achieving smooth ironing surfaces without smudging, maintaining good heat transmission, reducing friction, and resisting corrosion, particularly when exposed to steam environments.

Innovation Solution

The use of a non-alloy or low-alloy steel plate as the ironing surface and a thinner stainless steel plate as the dimple plate, where the stainless steel plate is selectively made thinner to allow deformation and form heat passages, while the non-alloy or low-alloy plate is machined for improved sliding properties and wax adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stainless steel plate is used as the ironing surface, then corrosion resistance is improved, but heat transmission capability deteriorates and friction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidheat transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ironer bed employs a composite structure consisting of a non-alloy or low-alloy steel plate (providing heat transmission) combined with a thinner stainless steel plate (providing corrosion resistance). This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve good heat transmission from the non-alloy steel and enhanced corrosion resistance from the stainless steel layer, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If a non-alloy or low-alloy steel plate is used as the ironing surface, then heat transmission capability is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transmission capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stainless steel plate is made thinner, then adaptability to roller diameter changes is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to roller diameterVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of non-alloy/low-alloy steel plate with the thinner stainless steel plate creates a composite structure where the thicker non-alloy steel provides the necessary structural strength and rigidity, while the thinner stainless steel layer provides corrosion resistance and flexibility. This allows the ironer bed to adapt to roller diameter changes without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ironer bed structure are assigned different material properties: the thinner stainless steel plate provides local corrosion resistance and flexibility where needed, while the thicker non-alloy steel plate provides structural strength in regions requiring rigidity. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between thinness for adaptability and thickness for strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Use of energy by moving object

If the ironing surface is made smooth, then heat transmission is improved, but friction increases causing textile to stick

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transmissionVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The non-alloy or low-alloy steel plate is sanded to create a locally modified surface with parallel grooves or tracks that run in the ironing direction. This local surface modification creates a texture that reduces friction and prevents textile sticking, while the overall surface remains sufficiently smooth for effective heat transmission. The sanding process creates a controlled surface quality that balances these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration results in reduced friction, effective heat transmission, and enhanced corrosion resistance, preventing smudging and galvanic corrosion, with the non-alloy plate providing cathodic protection to the stainless steel dimple plate.

Implementation Method 1

Good heat transmission capability must also be provided from the heat medium to the ironing surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the other plate, the one facing away from the ironer roller, being a stainless steel plate which is thinner than the former one plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

exhibits far less friction, and which is also very resistant to corrosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorrosion resistance:

Implementation Method 4

the non-alloy plate providing cathodic protection to the stainless steel dimple plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCathodic protection:

Data Source

PatentEP2344693B1An ironer bed

Publication Date: 2015.12.16 JENSEN DENMARK

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AI summary

An ironer bed comprising a pair of metal plates (6, 7) that are joined by welding in two layers such that, between the plates, passages (5) are provided for a heat medium; and are configured such that they are capable of partially enclosing an ironer roller (12 -15). The plate (7) that faces towards the ironing roller (12 -15) is made of non-alloy or low-alloy steel; and the plate (6) that faces away from the ironer roller (12 -15) is a plate of stainless steel which is thinner than the former plate.