Ironing apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial cylinder ironers face inefficiencies in radiant heat distribution and temperature control, leading to suboptimal ironing performance and increased gas consumption.

Innovation Solution

A rotating cylinder ironing apparatus with a burner assembly featuring a passage for air and gas mixture with a decreasing cross section, a premixing zone, and a turbulator, which enhances flame uniformity and reduces duty cycle, combined with a control method adjusting flow-rate and rotation speed based on fabric type and moisture levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a burner with constant cross-section passage is used, then the structure is simpler, but the radiant heat efficiency is lower and temperature control is less responsive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiant heat efficiencyVSAvoidburner structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The passage cross-section is varied along its length, with the first portion having a larger cross-section than the second portion. This local variation optimizes the flame distribution and radiant heat efficiency in different zones of the burner, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If a burner with larger duty cycle is used, then the heating capacity is sufficient, but the reaction time to parameter changes is slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capacityVSAvoidreaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The burner is designed with a two-zone passage structure that enables dynamic flame distribution. The varying cross-section allows the burner to adjust flame characteristics rapidly in response to control signals, reducing reaction time while maintaining adequate heating capacity through optimized radiant heat distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a burner with longer propagation time is used, then the flame stability is improved, but the temperature distribution uniformity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame stabilityVSAvoidtemperature distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The passage is divided into two portions with different cross-sections to create localized flame characteristics. The first portion with larger cross-section promotes stable flame ignition, while the second portion with smaller cross-section enhances flame distribution uniformity, resolving the contradiction between flame stability and temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Power

If a burner with larger volume is used, then the heat output is sufficient, but the inertia is higher and control responsiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat outputVSAvoidcontrol responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The burner volume is optimized by varying the passage cross-section along its length rather than using a uniform large volume. This parameter variation maintains sufficient heat output through efficient radiant heat distribution while reducing overall burner inertia, thereby improving control responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves radiant heat efficiency, maintains constant temperature, reduces gas consumption, and allows for quicker reaction to parameter changes, resulting in enhanced ironing control and performance.

Implementation Method 1

A gas, steam or electrical heating source, e.g. a burner, is placed within the cylinder in order to contribute to the drying and ironing of the linen or laundry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat transfer: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a passage for a mixture of air and gas is defined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

through which the mixture of air and gas exits from said passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

Microflames mainly form in the microperforations and ensure a heating mainly in the infrared range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 5

ensure a heating mainly in the infrared range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10519593B2Ironing apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL SPA

AI summary

An ironing apparatus (100) comprises a rotating cylinder (11) and a burner assembly (2) comprising a main body (20) in which a passage (21) for a mixture of air and gas is defined. The main body comprises an outlet surface (22) in which a plurality of holes (220) are defined, through which the mixture of air and gas exits from the passage, wherein the passage is elongate-shaped, extends in a longitudinal direction inside said rotating cylinder and has a decreasing cross section along the longitudinal direction (x).