Flatwork Ironer Zone Indication to Reduce Operator Distraction
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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 consult temperature sensor displays, which are used to determine optimal placement zones on non-uniform heating cylinders.
Innovation Solution
The integration of temperature sensors and light emitters within the introduction area of the flatwork ironer, allowing operators to place articles in suitable zones without diverting attention, using light indicators such as LEDs or laser emitters to highlight correct placement zones directly within the operator's line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display is used to indicate temperature zones, then temperature information is provided to the operator, but the operator must look away from the ironing area reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the temperature zone information from a 2D display screen into a 3D spatial indication system using light emitters positioned in the introduction area. The light emitters create visual cues in the physical space where articles are loaded, allowing operators to see temperature zone information in the same field of view as the ironing area, eliminating the need to look away at a separate display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light emitters as an intermediary between the temperature sensors and the operator. Instead of directly displaying temperature data on a screen, the system uses light emitters to visually indicate suitable placement zones on the conveying bands, creating an intuitive visual mediator that guides operators without requiring them to interpret numerical data or shift their attention to a display.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the heating cylinder contacts humid articles, then ironing function is achieved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates creating hot and cold zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature of the heating cylinder and convey this information to light emitters. The light emitters adjust their indication in real-time based on temperature measurements, providing feedback to operators about which zones are currently suitable for article placement. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to temperature non-uniformity caused by humid article contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light emitters based on temperature conditions. When certain zones of the heating cylinder become too hot or too cold due to contact with humid articles, the system adjusts which zones are indicated as suitable for article placement, dynamically changing the operational parameters to maintain optimal ironing conditions despite temperature variations.
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 correctly in optimal temperature zones without looking away from the ironing area, ensuring efficient and accurate operation of the flatwork ironer.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of temperature sensors of said heating cylinder, indication means for indicating at least one zone of the conveying bands where the articles to be ironed must be placed according to the temperature detected by said plurality of sensors
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
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Figure 2
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 for introducing 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 indication means are placed in said introduction area 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.