Ironing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing machines face challenges with reliable temperature control, safety, and maintenance due to potential defects or interference in the contact between the cylindrical body and temperature sensors, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and inefficient heating.
Innovation Solution
An ironing machine with a cylindrical body and temperature sensors made of electrically conductive materials, utilizing an electrical control system to detect the degree of contact between the sensors and the cylindrical body by measuring electrical current or impedance, generating control signals to adjust heating and alert for defective contacts, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are used to detect cylinder temperature, then temperature control is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential contact defects or interference between the cylindrical body and temperature sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical contact detection mechanism as an intermediary verification layer. The control system measures electrical contact resistance between the temperature sensor and cylindrical body to verify proper contact before trusting temperature readings. This intermediary check prevents unreliable temperature data from causing control issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring electrical contact resistance and using this information to validate temperature sensor readings. When poor contact is detected through elevated resistance values, the system can flag or reject corresponding temperature measurements, ensuring only reliable data drives control decisions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the temperature sensor, enables temperature data transmission, and acts as a contact integrity verification mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate verification components, maintaining safety while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical connection infrastructure is made self-serving by utilizing its inherent electrical properties (resistance) to automatically verify contact integrity. The system monitors its own operational status through the same electrical pathways already in place, eliminating the need for additional dedicated monitoring hardware.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are in direct contact with the cylindrical body, then measurement precision is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases due to wear and contact defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical contact assessment with electrical measurement. Instead of mechanically checking or visually inspecting contact quality, the system uses electrical resistance measurements to objectively assess contact integrity, enabling more precise and less invasive maintenance decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical resistance measurement acts as an intermediary diagnostic tool between the physical contact interface and the maintenance decision-making process. This intermediary measurement provides quantitative data about contact quality without requiring physical disassembly or direct manipulation of the sensor-cylinder interface.
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
Enhances safety and reliability by preventing excessive heating and facilitating efficient maintenance by immediately detecting and addressing any issues in contact between the cylindrical body and temperature sensors, ensuring precise temperature control and optimal heating performance.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one temperature sensor arrangement and the cylindrical body are at least partly made of electrically conductive material, and in that the ironing machine comprises an electrical control system configured to; detect a degree of contact between the cylindrical body and the at least one temperature sensor arrangement by means of electricity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
An ironing machine (1), such as a cylinder ironer, is provided. The ironing machine (1) comprises a cylindrical body (3) having heating means (5) for heating of the cylindrical body (3) and at least one temperature sensor arrangement (7), arranged to be in contact with the cylindrical body (3) and to detect a temperature of the cylindrical body (3). The at least one temperature sensor arrangement (7) and the cylindrical body (3) are at least partly made of electrically conductive material. The ironing machine (1) comprises an electrical control system (9) configured to detect a degree of contact between the cylindrical body (3) and the at least one temperature sensor arrangement (7) by means of electricity, and generate a control signal indicative of the detected degree of contact.