Multi-Lane Folding Machine Assembly for Wide Laundry Ironing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding machines are limited in operating width due to stability issues, preventing large laundry items from being ironed and folded transversely, despite ironers being capable of handling such items.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where multiple folding machines are arranged side by side to form a multi-lane folding surface, allowing simultaneous synchronous folding of large laundry items across the entire operating width of the ironer, with the machines being coupled and connected to maintain stability and extend the folding width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the operating width of a folding machine is increased to match the ironer's operating width, then large laundry items can be folded transversely, but the stability of the folding machine deteriorates due to the narrow deflecting rollers that cannot bend

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating width of folding machineVSAvoidstability of folding machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The folding machine is divided into multiple independent folding units arranged side by side. Each folding unit has its own deflecting rollers and folding belt, allowing the system to achieve a large overall operating width while each individual unit maintains its structural stability. The folding units work simultaneously to fold different sections of the laundry item.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple folding units are merged together in a side-by-side arrangement to form a multi-lane folding system. The folding belts of adjacent units are positioned in the same plane and work synchronously, creating an extended folding surface that matches the ironer's operating width while maintaining the stability of each individual unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple folding machines are arranged side by side to extend the folding width, then the operating width can match the ironer, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding widthVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple folding machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into identical or similar folding units that can be replicated. Each unit has the same basic structure with deflecting rollers and folding belts, simplifying the design and maintenance while allowing easy scaling to match different ironer widths by adding or removing units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding units are designed to be universal and interchangeable, with each unit capable of handling the same range of laundry items. The synchronous operation of multiple units allows them to function as a unified system, reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11208757B2Method and apparatus for ironing and folding laundry items

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 HERBERT KANNEGIESSER GMBH & CO

AI summary

A method and apparatus that makes provision for two identical folding machines to be arranged one beside the other, and for these to be operated synchronously, so that the large operating width which is necessary for ironing large laundry items, in particular transversely, is also available for folding such laundry items. If large laundry items are to be ironed, and folded, in particular transversely, this requires ironers and folding machines with an appropriately large operating width. Such large operating widths currently cannot be realized technologically in folding machines.