Trim Cover Steam Machine for Wrinkle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing wrinkles from trim covers, such as those used in vehicle seats, are either energy and labor intensive or lack quality control, and are ineffective in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of upholstered articles.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly for pre-steaming or pre-heating trim covers using a frame with metal tubing and a steam supply system that applies steam to interior zones of the cover before installation, allowing for controlled and uniform steam application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large heating ovens are used to heat multiple trim covers simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones within a single chamber, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple trim covers with targeted steam application to each zone, improving productivity without requiring a large energy-intensive oven
Solution Approach 2:
A steam intermediary system is introduced to transfer thermal energy efficiently to multiple trim covers simultaneously through steam injection and distribution networks, enabling high productivity while maintaining lower energy consumption compared to direct heating of entire oven chambers
2Ease of operation
If manually operated heating devices are used after installation, then ease of operation is improved, but time consumption and manufacturing precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary steaming and heating actions before trim cover installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-installation manual heating and ensuring wrinkles are removed in advance, thus reducing total time consumption while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and control steam application and heating parameters, ensuring consistent quality results and enabling operators to quickly adjust settings without trial-and-error, reducing time consumption while maintaining ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If manually operated heating devices are used after installation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and control steam application and heating parameters, ensuring consistent quality results and enabling operators to quickly adjust settings without trial-and-error, reducing time consumption while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control of steam temperature, pressure, and distribution parameters before installation, ensuring optimal wrinkle removal quality without the variability introduced by manual post-installation heating, thus improving manufacturing precision while maintaining operational ease
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
This approach simplifies the installation process, reduces wrinkles, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of upholstered articles by ensuring a better fit and fewer imperfections, while being more efficient than existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A steam supply system includes at least one conduit that is disposed within the frame and transports steam from a steam producing component into the assembly to steam and/or heat the trim cover
Implementation Method 2
The frame can be made of metal tubing with a series of apertures that allow steam to escape from the metal tubing and into the frame when the trim cover is placed over the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for steaming and/or heating a trim cover of an upholstered article is disclosed. The assembly includes a stand having a bottom end and a top end, an open frame attached to the top end of the stand and adapted to receive at least a portion of the trim cover, and a steam supply system. At least a portion of the steam supply system is adapted to fit within the frame and the steam supply system applies steam towards at least one interior steam zone of the trim cover.