Nested Ironing Pad for Embroidery Hoops to Prevent Fabric Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ironing solutions, such as ironing boards and portable pads, are not designed for easy transportation and do not accommodate rigid forms with attached materials, making it difficult to iron both sides of fabric without slippage and introducing new creases, especially when embroidering or quilting.
Innovation Solution
An ironing apparatus with a support structure featuring a heat reflective top, heat impervious material, and non-slip bottom, designed to fit within larger structures like embroidery hoops, allowing for simultaneous ironing of both fabric sides without removing the fabric, using materials like wool and ABS plastic for durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fabric is removed from the rigid hoop frame for ironing, then the fabric can be ironed on a flat surface, but the fabric becomes difficult to hold stretched tight and stationary, causing slippage and requiring multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The ironing apparatus is designed to nest within the embroidery hoop frame, with the support structure fitting inside the hoop's inner diameter. This allows the fabric to remain attached to the hoop while the ironing apparatus provides a stable ironing surface underneath, eliminating the need to remove fabric from the hoop.
Solution Approach 2:
The ironing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the fabric and the ironing board. Instead of placing fabric directly on a hard ironing board surface, the fabric remains on the hoop while the apparatus provides a cushioned, non-slip intermediate surface that maintains fabric stability during ironing.
2Productivity
If fabric is ironed on a traditional ironing board, then the top side can be ironed, but the bottom side requires separate handling and ironing, increasing time and risk of new creases
Solution Approach 1:
The ironing apparatus merges the ironing of both fabric sides into a single operation. By positioning the apparatus within the hoop and applying heat through the fabric from one side, heat conducts through to the other side, enabling simultaneous ironing of both surfaces without separate handling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes thermal conduction and heat phase transition to transfer heat through the fabric. The heating element applies thermal energy that conducts through the fabric material, ironing both the top and bottom surfaces simultaneously through thermal energy transfer rather than mechanical contact with both sides.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used for the ironing apparatus, then stability is improved, but the apparatus becomes heavier and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses composite construction combining rigid materials (such as aluminum or plastic) for structural stability with flexible or foam materials for cushioning and heat distribution. This composite approach provides the necessary stability for ironing while keeping the overall weight low for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates flexible or thin rigid components that provide sufficient structural support without excessive weight. The support structure may use thin rigid panels or flexible reinforced materials that maintain stability during ironing while being lightweight enough for easy transport and storage.
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
Enables efficient, simultaneous ironing of both fabric sides while attached to other structures, preventing slippage and minimizing new creases, with a lightweight and economical design.
Implementation Method 1
A heat reflective material is attached to the top of the support structure
Implementation Method 2
a heat impervious ironing material is connected to the heat reflective material
Implementation Method 3
Non-slip material is attached to the bottom of the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
An ironing apparatus and method includes a support structure with a top and a bottom. A heat reflective material is attached to the top of the support structure and a heat impervious ironing material is connected to the heat reflective material. Non-slip material is attached to the bottom of the support structure.