One-Piece Ironing Underlay Frame for Flat, Stable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing pads are either too low for ergonomic use, requiring users to iron bent over, or are complex and heavy to produce, lacking a balance between ergonomics, lightweight design, and robustness.
Innovation Solution
An ironing pad with a lightweight, one-piece plastic or foam frame that stabilizes a thin, inherently unstable upper part, featuring arched bridge-like segments and truss-like stiffening ribs, allowing easy storage and use on any flat surface without the need for heat-insulating supports, and incorporating a vapor-impermeable overlay for improved sliding and moisture resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a lightweight and thin upper part is used, then the ironing pad is easy to store and retrieve, but the upper part becomes inherently unstable and not rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The upper part is designed as a thin, lightweight structure that provides the necessary ironing surface area while maintaining flexibility. This thin upper part is stabilized by the frame structure, allowing the pad to be lightweight yet functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The ironing pad is divided into distinct components: a lightweight upper part and a separate frame structure. This segmentation allows the upper part to remain thin and easy to manufacture while the frame provides the necessary stability and rigidity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a frame structure is added to stabilize the upper part, then the ironing surface remains flat under load, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and upper part are designed to work together as an integrated system. The frame is positioned beneath the upper part to provide stability, and both components are configured to be produced together as a single unit, reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ironing pad utilizes composite construction with a frame structure supporting an upper part made of plastic or foam material. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified structure.
3Temperature
If traditional materials are used for the upper part, then heat insulation is provided, but the ironing pad becomes heavy and prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties are changed by using heat-resistant plastics or foams that inherently resist corrosion and moisture. These materials provide the necessary heat resistance for ironing while maintaining lightweight characteristics and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper part is made from synthetic materials such as heat-resistant plastic or foam that combine multiple desirable properties: lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, and adequate heat resistance for ironing applications.
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 an ergonomic, stable, and easy-to-use ironing surface that is lightweight, easy to manufacture, and resistant to moisture and corrosion, while allowing for easy storage and reduced back strain during use.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor cushion is created between the base of the iron and the support, which allows the iron to slide more easily
Data Source
AI summary
The holder component has an upper section (2) making a holder surface (3), which is provided with a rack (1) stabilizing the upper section. The rack stabilizes upper section in such a manner that the holder surface is uniform to a large extent also during load with a pressing iron. The upper section and the rack are formed together in a single piece. The upper section and the rack are formed as single piece plastic part.