Autonomous devices, systems, and methods for packing unfolded laundry articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry processing technologies, including domestic and industrial machines, rely on human intervention, leading to inefficiencies, contamination risks, and increased costs due to the need for manual handling and processing of diverse laundry items, which limits their ability to handle mixed loads and maintain hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous robotic system that includes a container with a movable surface and actuators to compress and flatten unfolded laundry, using sensors to ensure uniform height distribution, allowing for efficient packing and elimination of human contact, thereby reducing contamination and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually handle and process laundry items, then flexibility in handling diverse article types is improved, but contamination risk and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-contained washing machines with integrated folding and packing mechanisms that autonomously process laundry without human intervention. The washing machine performs washing, folding, and packing operations automatically, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining versatility through programmable instructions for different article types.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling by human operators is replaced with automated robotic systems. The washing machine incorporates robotic folding mechanisms and automated packing systems that substitute human hands and operations, thereby eliminating contamination risk from human contact while maintaining the ability to handle diverse laundry items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually fold and pack laundry, then adaptability to different article types is improved, but time consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine autonomously performs folding and packing operations without requiring human operators. The system uses sensors to identify article types and automatically executes appropriate folding algorithms and packing sequences, dramatically reducing time consumption while maintaining adaptability to diverse laundry items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs folding and packing operations immediately after washing while the laundry is still warm and pliable, making the process more efficient. The washing machine prepares and processes articles in sequence without interruption, eliminating the delays associated with manual handling and transportation between different processing stages.
3Ease of operation
If traditional washing machines process laundry sequentially, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine integrates multiple previously separate functions into a single unified system. The folding mechanism, packing system, and washing operations are merged into one automated workflow that occurs within the same appliance, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of use through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system eliminates idle time between washing, folding, and packing operations by maintaining continuous automated processing. The washing machine transitions seamlessly from washing to folding to packing without interruption, keeping the system continuously productive while the user simply loads and unloads laundry, maintaining simplicity while boosting efficiency.
4Loss of time
If laundromat services are used for outsourcing laundry, then time savings for householders are achieved, but operational costs and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine provides complete self-service functionality within the household, eliminating the need to outsource laundry to shared laundromat facilities. The automated folding and packing capabilities mean the machine handles all processing steps independently, saving householders time while maintaining complete control over the laundry process and preventing external contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine creates a controlled, isolated environment for laundry processing within the household. By keeping the entire washing, folding, and packing process contained within the private home environment rather than shared public facilities, the system prevents contamination from external sources while maintaining the time-saving benefits of automated processing.
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, contamination-free processing and packing of diverse laundry items without human intervention, reducing costs and improving hygiene by automating the handling and packing of mixed loads into a compact, uniform format.
Implementation Method 1
instruct the at least one actuator to move the container back and forth two or more times
Implementation Method 2
instruct the at least one plunger to lower and compress the plurality of unfolded laundry articles
Implementation Method 3
receive an output signal from the at least one sensor indicative of one or more container fill heights along a top surface of the plurality of unfolded laundry articles
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for autonomously packing unfolded laundry articles into a box are described. The system includes a box configured to receive the laundry articles, a movable surface for receiving the box, and at least one actuator for imparting at least one of a shaking, twisting, vibrating, oscillating, shushling, and tilting motion to the box. A plunger is configured to compress the articles within the box and at least one sensor is configured to detect that the mass of articles is flattened and substantially level across a top surface. A controller in communication with drive motors, actuators, and at least one sensor is configured to determine whether the articles are flattened sufficiently for delivery to a packing station for receipt of folded laundry articles placed atop the plurality of unfolded laundry articles.