Flatwork Ironer Vapour Suction Layout for Uniform Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor suction systems in flatwork ironers face inefficiencies due to side suction methods that fail to provide continuous vapor extraction along the entire length, are prone to clogging from particles, and require frequent filter maintenance, while also lacking direct extraction from above the ironing cylinders and potentially blowing hot air onto operators.
Innovation Solution
A vapor suction device with a suction chamber featuring neighboring suction openings along the chamfered bottom side of the longitudinal suction chamber, connected by a streamleading web and guiding cover, using a fan with a vertical axis and larger diameter with fewer, aerodynamically shaped vanes, which reduces maintenance needs and allows for uniform vapor suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dense vaned fan is placed inside the side bearing column to provide intensive suction, then suction performance is improved, but the fan becomes clogged by particles and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fan from the side bearing column and relocates it to the rear end of the ironing unit. This removes the fan from the particle-prone area, preventing clogging while maintaining suction performance. The suction openings are distributed along the bottom side of the longitudinal suction chamber, allowing continuous vapor extraction without exposing the fan to fibrous particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system is segmented into multiple suction openings distributed along the longitudinal suction chamber, rather than relying on a single dense fan. This segmentation allows vapor to be extracted continuously along the entire length of the ironing unit, improving both productivity and reliability.
2Productivity
If side suction tubes are used to extract vapour, then vapour removal is achieved, but continuous suction along the whole length cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal suction chamber is divided into multiple suction openings distributed along its length. This segmentation enables continuous vapor extraction at all positions along the ironing unit, achieving uniform suction performance that a single side suction tube cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction openings are positioned on the bottom side of the longitudinal suction chamber rather than on the sides. This dimensional change allows the suction to be distributed continuously along the entire length of the ironing unit, achieving uniform vapor removal that side suction tubes cannot accomplish.
3Productivity
If vertical fans are placed at the bottom to extract vapour, then vapour suction is achieved, but hot air is blown directly onto the operator's legs
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is positioned asymmetrically at the rear end of the ironing unit rather than at the bottom center. This asymmetric placement, combined with the rear outlet configuration, directs the extracted hot air away from the operator's legs toward the exhaust chimney, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining effective vapor extraction.
4Reliability
If filters are added to prevent fan clogging, then fan protection is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is extracted from the particle-prone area and relocated to the rear end of the ironing unit. This eliminates the need for filters and periodic cleaning, reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable operation.
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 solution provides intensive and uniform vapor suction, reduces maintenance demands, and prevents clogging, while allowing for flexible exhaust chimney connections and improved safety by avoiding direct hot air exposure to operators.
Implementation Method 1
a radial fan with forwards bent vanes
Implementation Method 2
suction openings placed in the line on the chamfering bottom side of the longitudinal suction chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Vapour suction device for the flatwork ironer comprising a suction chamber provided by neighbouring suction openings placed in the line on the chamfering bottom side of the longitudinal suction chamber and coprising a fan, where it further consists of the streamleading web (12), the web (12) is connected by its upper opening (11) to the bottom opening of the suction chamber (9) and the web (12) is connected by its bottom opening (13) to the guiding cover (14), whereas the guiding cover (14) rests on the rear lower hollow longitudinal column (6) and closely overlaps the opened upper side of the fan box (7) with fan opening (15), in which the fan (8) with vertikal axe of its rotation is placed, whereas rear lower longitudinal column (6) is provided by a chimney outlet.