Flatwork Ironer Zone Indication to Reduce Operator Attention Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatwork ironers face a productivity decrease due to operators needing to look away from the ironing area to determine suitable zones for placing articles based on temperature differences in the heating cylinder, which are not uniformly heated.
Innovation Solution
The integration of temperature sensors and light emitters in the introduction area of the flatwork ironer, which indicate suitable zones for article placement without requiring the operator to look away, using light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser light emitters to highlight correct placement zones based on temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and display are used to indicate suitable zones, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but operator productivity decreases due to needing to look away from the ironing area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual display system with an optical indication system using light emitters (LEDs) that directly illuminate the suitable zones on the heating cylinder. This substitution allows operators to see temperature-appropriate zones through light emission rather than reading a separate display, eliminating the need to divert attention from the ironing area while maintaining temperature detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light emitters as an intermediary between the temperature sensors and the operator. The light emitters translate temperature sensor data into visual cues (illuminated zones) that can be perceived directly at the ironing area, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between temperature measurement and operator decision-making without requiring attention shifts
2Manufacturing precision
If operators frequently check the display to place articles in correct zones, then placement accuracy is improved, but ironing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light emitters (LEDs) that emit light of different colors or intensities to indicate different temperature zones and their suitability for article placement. This visual color/light change system allows operators to quickly identify appropriate zones at a glance, maintaining placement accuracy while eliminating the time loss associated with repeatedly checking a separate display
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 solution enhances productivity by allowing operators to place articles in the correct zones without diverting attention from the ironing process, ensuring efficient and uniform heating of articles.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of temperature sensor of said heating cylinder
Implementation Method 2
said indication means is a light emitted from a plurality of light emitters that light at least one zone of the conveying bands
Data Source
AI summary
The flatwork ironer comprises a heating cylinder (1), a plurality of conveying bands (2), defining said conveying bands (2) a plurality of zones in an introduction area of articles to be ironed, and a plurality of temperature sensors (3) of said heating cylinder (1), indication means for indicating at least one zone (5) of the conveying bands where the articles to be ironed must be placed according to the temperature detected by said plurality of sensors (3), wherein said indicating means are placed in said are for introducing the articles to be ironed.It permits to place correctly the articles to be ironed in the correct position not looking away from the introduction area.