System and method for automatic sorting of textile items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for automatic sorting of textile items are inadequate, as they often rely on manual or partially mechanized methods, and there is a need for more efficient and automated solutions for sorting soiled clothes or laundry items, particularly in textile recycling.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reception station, a textile items recognition station with conveyor belts at different heights, and a pick-up and transferring device with inclined tracks and suction means to efficiently sort and separate textile items using grippers and identification devices like RFID, X-ray, or cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or partially mechanized sorting methods are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and automation extent are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated system that uses imaging devices (optical sensors) to detect textile properties and robotic grippers to execute sorting actions. The control unit processes image data and automatically controls the grippers' movement and activation, substituting human decision-making and manual handling with automated perception-action loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables textiles to be automatically identified and sorted based on their inherent properties (color, pattern, material) detected by imaging devices. The textiles themselves carry the information needed for sorting through their visual characteristics, eliminating the need for external tagging or identification systems, and the system serves itself by using the textiles' own properties as sorting criteria.
2Productivity
If multiple textile items are handled simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the risk of picking multiple items or misidentification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sorting task into discrete unit operations, with each gripper handling one textile item at a time through individually controlled picking, lifting, and placing actions. The conveyor belt segments the flow of textiles into sequential positions, and the control unit manages each gripper's cycle independently, ensuring that multiple items are processed in parallel without interfering with each other's identification and handling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging devices continuously capture images of textiles on the conveyor, and the control unit processes this visual feedback to identify each textile's properties in real-time. The system uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about which gripper should pick which textile, adjusting the sorting decisions based on the actual visual characteristics detected, thereby maintaining high accuracy even when multiple items are present.
3Measurement precision
If complex identification systems are used, then sorting precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging devices serve multiple functions: they detect color, pattern, material composition, and other visual properties of textiles simultaneously with a single system. The control unit performs multiple tasks including image processing, textile identification, gripper control coordination, and real-time decision-making. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each detection task, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive sorting capabilities.
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 efficient and automated sorting of textile items by accurately identifying and separating individual pieces, reducing the risk of picking multiple items and optimizing the sorting process through synchronized gripper movement and conveyor belt configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the suction means comprising a casing at least partially enclosing a gripper, the casing having an open end for the passage of the gripper therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system for textile items sorting comprising a reception station; a textile items recognition station; a pick-up and transferring device including grippers configured to grab individual pieces of textile items, and moving members configured to convey the gripper from the reception station to the textile items recognition station; and a sorting and separating station. The present invention also discloses a method for automatic sorting of textile items comprising the steps of: accumulating textile items within a reception station; picking up textile items from the reception station and transferring them to a textile items recognition station; identifying the textile items in the textile items recognition station; and conveying identified textile items to a sorting and separating station for textile items including several deposits for receiving different kinds of sorted textile items.