Dirty laundry handling device and method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dirty laundry handling devices require significant human labor, are limited by manual input speed, and struggle with varying laundry types, leading to low processing capacity and increased risk of dirt spread.

Innovation Solution

A dirty laundry handling device with a transporter, separation device, marker detector, and ejection device that allows bulk input, automatic marker detection, and efficient marking of unmarked laundry, reducing manual handling and increasing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling and individual feeding of laundry pieces is used, then each piece can be individually scanned and processed, but the processing capacity is low and operator labor is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated transport system that conveys laundry pieces individually through the processing line. The transport device automatically feeds each piece to the scanning position, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle and feed each laundry item, thereby increasing processing capacity while reducing labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service processing where the transport device and scanning system work automatically without continuous operator intervention. Laundry pieces are conveyed and processed through the system autonomously, with operators only needing to monitor and maintain the system rather than manually handle each piece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If operators manually handle dirty laundry to apply markers, then unmarked laundry can be identified and marked, but this increases the risk of dirt spread and reduces job satisfaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker detection accuracyVSAvoiddirt spread risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual marker application with an automated marking system. After the scanning device identifies unmarked laundry pieces, a marking device automatically applies markers to these pieces without operator contact. This eliminates the risk of operators spreading dirt while maintaining reliable identification and marking of unmarked laundry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automated marking device as an intermediary between detection and marking operations. This intermediary device performs the marking function that would otherwise require direct operator handling of dirty laundry, thereby preventing dirt spread while ensuring accurate marker application on identified unmarked pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple grippers are used to handle varying laundry types, then gripping reliability can be improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidgripper system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic gripper system that can adjust its gripping parameters based on the detected laundry type. The gripper includes adjustable fingers or pads that can change their position, pressure, or configuration to accommodate different fabric types, thicknesses, and delicate items. This dynamic adaptability maintains high gripping reliability across varying laundry types without requiring multiple fixed gripper configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper system is designed as a universal, multi-functional device capable of handling all types of laundry through a single mechanism. By incorporating adjustable and adaptable gripping elements, the system performs multiple gripping functions (gentle gripping for delicate items, firm gripping for heavy items, etc.) with one gripper unit, avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized grippers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4682307A1Dirty laundry handling device and method

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 VAN REMUNDT BEHEER

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3F

AI summary

Dirty laundry handling device, comprising: a transporter for transporting dirty laundry along transportation path, extending from an input section of the transporter, where laundry enters the transporter, towards a processing section, where laundry is processed, e.g. sorted and/or cleaned; a separation device arranged at or near the transporter between the input section and the processing section and configured to separate the laundry into separate laundry pieces that can be processed individually; a marker detector configured to provide a marker signal representative for detection of a laundry marker, e.g. a label or RFID chip, in the laundry piece transported along the transportation path; wherein the dirty laundry handling device further comprises: a marking location configured to receive a piece of laundry for marking, e.g. by providing a label or RFID chip thereto; and an ejection device, functionally associated with the marker detector and configured to move unmarked laundry, for which no marker is represented in the marker signal, towards the marking location.