Pocket Fold Ironing Machine With Roller-Guided Folding Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pocket ironing machines require frequent maintenance due to wear between folding elements and guides, and are not flexible enough to accommodate different pocket models without replacing parts.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a guide system featuring a translating arm with a roller that slides along a guide profile, reducing friction and wear, and adjustable components to accommodate various pocket shapes and pleat types, including a pivoted arm and adjustable guide profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pin sliding along a curvilinear guide is used to move folding elements, then the folding elements can follow the required path for optimal pleat formation, but considerable wear occurs between the pin and guide requiring continuous maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pin-sliding-along-guide mechanical system with a flexible element (rubber or fabric) that carries the folding element. The flexible element is stretched between two points, one of which moves along the curvilinear guide, while the folding element is carried by the flexible element itself. This substitution eliminates the direct sliding contact between a pin and guide, thereby reducing wear and maintenance requirements while preserving the ability to follow the required curvilinear path for optimal pleat formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide path is modified for different pocket models, then different pocket shapes can be accommodated, but the guides must be substituted requiring machine reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guide system dynamic and adjustable by allowing the position of the flexible element's anchor point on the curvilinear guide to be changed. Instead of replacing entire guides for different pocket models, the system allows repositioning of the folding element's attachment point along the same guide, enabling adaptation to different pocket shapes and sizes without substituting mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvilinear guide is designed to serve multiple functions by accommodating different folding element positions along its length. A single guide structure can produce different pocket models by simply repositioning where the flexible element is attached, making the guide universal for multiple pocket types rather than requiring dedicated guides for each model.
3Manufacturing precision
If folding elements move in both longitudinal and transversal directions according to a strict curvilinear path, then optimal pleats are obtained, but the complex motion increases wear and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical linkage required to achieve simultaneous longitudinal and transversal motion with a simpler system using a flexible element. The flexible element naturally transmits the curvilinear motion from the moving anchor point to the folding element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides and reducing wear while maintaining the optimal pleat-forming motion path.
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
Significantly reduces maintenance needs and allows for flexible operation across different pocket models without part substitution, ensuring accurate folding and ironing with minimal wear.
Implementation Method 1
the roller beats and slides along the edge of the at least a guide profile
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine (10) for forming and ironing folds in pieces of cloth, comprising a plate frame (20) on which there are fixed: - a support and pressure system (16) for supporting and pressing a template (112, 113) on which the piece of cloth to be worked is put, - a moving system (14) for moving a blocking plate (40) which blocks the piece of cloth to be worked by beating the template (112, 113), - a guide system (12) for guiding at least a folding element (73, 75) which folds the outer edges of the piece of cloth, - an ironing plate (50) with moving means (48, 52, 54), which is put on the piece of cloth having the outer edges folded so as to iron said edges in position. The guide system (12) comprises at least a guide profile (66, 68) fixed on the plate frame (20), and at least a translating arm (72, 74) which is translated according to a longitudinal direction by moving means (48, 50, 52, 54), and comprising a roller (86, 88) and a folding element (73, 75), said at least an arm (72, 74) being under pressure towards the at least a guide profile (66, 68) through pressing means (70), so that the roller (86, 88) beats and slides along the edge of the at least a guide profile (66, 68). In this way, the folding element (73, 75) follows the movement of the at least an arm (72, 74) according to the outline of the edge of the guide profile (66, 68) and moves according to the longitudinal direction and a transversal direction.