Multi-Layer Ironing Board Cover for Heat Resistance and Steam Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing board covers are prone to damage from prolonged contact with hot irons, pose safety risks due to heat exposure, and lack stability, leading to potential accidents and inefficiencies in ironing operations.
Innovation Solution
A cover element comprising a high-temperature-resistant fabric layer with embedded conductive wires or print, a metallized reflective layer, and a thermally insulating support, designed to disperse heat and prevent steam penetration, ensuring stability and safety during ironing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fabric covers are used on ironing boards, then the cover is soft and comfortable for garments, but the fabric cannot withstand prolonged contact with hot irons and gets damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fabric layers with heat-resistant materials such as metallized films and thermal insulation layers. This creates a multi-layer cover structure where each layer serves a specific function: the fabric layer provides comfort and garment contact, while the metallized and insulation layers protect against heat damage from prolonged iron contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the iron is left in vertical position to prevent contact with cover, then cover damage is avoided, but the heated plate exposes surrounding environment to heat and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat effect into a beneficial feature by using heat-resistant materials that can withstand iron contact. The metallized layer reflects heat back towards the garment being ironed, improving ironing efficiency, while the thermal insulation layer prevents excessive heat from reaching the ironing board and surrounding environment, thus eliminating the need for vertical iron positioning.
3Ease of operation
If cotton fabric is used for cover, then it is breathable and comfortable, but humidity from steam iron penetrates through and wets the ironing board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cover into multiple functional layers: an outer fabric layer for breathability and comfort, a middle metallized layer for heat reflection and steam barrier properties, and an inner thermal insulation layer. This segmentation allows the fabric layer to maintain breathability while the metallized layer blocks steam penetration to the ironing board.
4Temperature
If felt layer is added under cotton fabric for insulation, then thermal protection improves, but the felt layer is not breathable and reduces heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the thermal insulation layer specifically at the interface between the fabric cover and the ironing board, where heat protection is most needed. The metallized layer is positioned to reflect heat towards the garment, while the fabric outer layer maintains breathability for comfort. Each layer's thermal and breathable properties are optimized for its specific location and function.
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 cover element allows safe, stable, and efficient ironing by preventing damage, reducing heat exposure, and enhancing user safety while maintaining garment quality.
Implementation Method 1
a metallized reflective layer, and a thermally insulating support, designed to disperse heat
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating support, designed to disperse heat and prevent steam penetration
Data Source
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AI summary
Cover element (2) for an ironing surface (30), preferably of the type configured as a cover for an ironing board, characterized in that it comprises: - a first layer (6) of fabric (20) which extends substantially for the entire surface development of said element (2), said first layer (6) being constituted by a fabric (20) comprising fibers that resist, without undergoing any damage or alteration, at temperatures above about 180°C, preferably at temperatures of at least 200-400°C, for at least 5 minutes, preferably for at least 10-15 minutes, - at least one underlying support layer (18), which is positioned below said first layer (6) and which comprises an impermeable polymeric membrane.