3D Folding Table with Movable Platens for Automated Garment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The garment manufacturing industry remains labor-intensive due to the inefficiencies of traditional sewing machine technology, which requires manual labor and multiple sequential processes, leading to high production times and reliance on human labor rather than automated systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for folding and joining fabric items using a work surface with platens and vacuum systems, along with robots and fold plates, allows for precise folding and joining of fabric items of different sizes and shapes, reducing manual handling and increasing production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sewing machine technology is used, then garment manufacturing can be performed with existing equipment, but the process remains labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled mechanisms for folding, positioning, and joining fabric items, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining manufacturing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables fabric items to be automatically processed through self-contained robotic operations where the machine performs folding, positioning, and joining tasks without human intervention, making the system self-sufficient in executing manufacturing operations
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple sequential processes are used for garment manufacturing, then complex garment assembly can be achieved, but production time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential operations (folding, positioning, joining) into a single integrated automated system that performs all tasks in one continuous process, eliminating the need for separate workstations and reducing material handling time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary folding and positioning operations automatically before the joining process, preparing fabric items in advance for immediate assembly without manual intervention or waiting time between operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If fabric items are manually handled between workstations, then flexibility in processing different fabrics can be maintained, but material handling time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with universal capabilities to handle various types of fabric items through programmable operations, allowing the same automated system to process different fabrics, sizes, and styles without requiring manual reconfiguration or specialized workstations
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 system enables automated folding and joining of fabric items, improving manufacturing throughput and reducing reliance on manual labor, resulting in increased efficiency and consistent quality control.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system coupled to the perforations of each of the first or second platens such that a vacuum applied to the perforations of one of the first or second platen is controlled independently of a vacuum applied to the perforations of the other of the first or second platen
Data Source
AI summary
Fabric items of dissimilar size and/or shape are manipulated and joined. A system includes a folding table for folding a fabric item. The folding table includes a first platen moveable relative to a second platen between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first platen is substantially coplanar with the second platen in the unfolded position. The second platen is disposed above the first platen in the folded position. The system includes a robot that includes a fold plate that is positioned with respect to a first fabric item to facilitate the folding of the first fabric item. The first fabric item is folded twice on the folding table such that first and second edges of the first fabric item can be aligned with corresponding first and second edges of a second fabric item. The first and second fabric items are joined at the respective first and second edges.