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Technology
creates the world’s ‘smartest’
iron
LAURASTAR,
the world’s leading innovator
in ironing systems, has today
launched a range of intuitive
products using technology developed
by Cambridge Consultants. Flagship
products, the MAGIC i-S5 and
STEAMUP i-G5, incorporate a
number of world firsts including
automatic steam and an automatic
blower system built into the
ironing board. The result is
products which deliver a professional,
long-lasting finish whilst reducing
ironing times by up to 50%.
Steam
is used in irons to penetrate
fibres and knock out creases
in fabric. However, damp fabrics
are just as likely to crease
again so the fabric needs to
be ‘set’ by a further
application of dry heat. LAURASTAR’s
new automatic steam function
works by delivering twice heated
steam automatically, at a pressure
of 3.5 bar, the instant the
iron detects forward motion.
However, the steam shuts off
as soon as the iron stops moving
or is used in a reverse motion.
This smart steam feature removes
creases and sets the fabric
in a single ergonomic action.
The inclusion of a ventilation
system built into the ironing
board allows the iron to ride
across fabrics on a wave of
air which further helps prevent
creasing and eliminate steam
marks. The direction of the
blower can be reversed so that
clothes, such as trousers, can
be held to the board to achieve
a more precise crease.
In developing the new technology
within the iron, Cambridge Consultants
considered a range of sensing
technologies. It quickly rejected
the obvious options such as
optics and accelerometers as
they were unable to deliver
the real-time performance required.
Instead Cambridge Consultants
settled on a sensing arrangement
based on two half-bridge strain
gauges built into the iron‘s
handle. When coupled with a
purpose designed control system,
the iron is able to rapidly
detect movement, starting or
shutting off steam production
within a millisecond. To the
user, there is no apparent time
delay between moving the iron
and the steam turning on or
off. The real-time control system
gives the iron a sense of intelligence
to know exactly how it is about
to be used and to safely deliver
steam at the appropriate moment.
 One
of the design challenges for
Cambridge Consultants was how
to install the new technology
without impacting the product
styling and ergonomic feel that
is so critical to LAURASTAR’s
leading position in the ironing
market. A key concern was the
impact that additional cabling
for transmitting control information
between the iron and the steam
generation unit might have.
Cambridge Consultants provided
an elegant answer to this challenge
by developing a low cost circuit
that transmits the necessary
control data on the existing
power supply cable using a special
data modulation technique. This
approach allowed LAURASTAR to
continue using its well-proven
'mono-tube' cable, which is
optimised for ideal ironing.
Jan Beekman, LAURASTAR’s
Chief Operating Officer commented,
"These technological innovations
reconfirm our position as leaders
in ironing technology. We are
now well positioned to see growth
and increased revenue as these
breakthrough products stimulate
existing markets and open up
new markets for the company."
Eric Wilkinson, Cambridge Consultants’
director responsible for the
project added, "This project
shows how the use of advanced
electronics can open up markets
across a range of consumer goods.
In just under a year, we have
worked with LAURASTAR to set
the new industry standard for
ironing. I believe we have created
a product that leaves you wondering
why all irons don’t work
this way."
The new range of ironing systems,
which will be launched in April,
will retail for between £199
(€269) and £699 (€999).
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