Clothing Measurement System Using Laser Rangefinders

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of measuring clothing dimensions is complex and time-consuming, requiring inspectors to visually inspect and measure garments using tape measures, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A measuring system comprising a table with laser rangefinders and a data processing device that uses markings and laser beams to quickly and accurately measure clothing dimensions, allowing for automated comparison with target values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual measurement with tape measure is used, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical tape measure with an automated laser-based measurement system. The laser distance meter emits laser beams that automatically measure distances to garment points, eliminating the need for manual tape measure operations and significantly reducing measurement time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing distance data from the laser distance meter and processing it through the control unit. The system autonomously calculates garment dimensions without requiring manual reading and recording, enabling self-service measurement that improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple laser rangefinders are used to measure different dimensions, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of laser rangefinders
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions laser rangefinders at different spatial locations and angles to measure various garment dimensions. By utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the laser beams, the system can accurately measure multiple dimensions (length, width, height) simultaneously, improving measurement precision through dimensional diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions by processing data from multiple laser rangefinders, calculating different garment dimensions, and comparing measurements against size charts. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle various measurement tasks with a unified device configuration, managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly simplifies and speeds up the measurement process, enabling precise and efficient comparison of actual dimensions with target values, reducing human error and increasing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser rangefinder that emits a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3899421B1Measuring system for measuring articles of clothing
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 DROSTE SASCHA
  • EP3899421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3899421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3899421B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring system (1) for measuring articles of clothing (6), comprising: - a measuring table (2) which has a table surface (4) on which the article of clothing (6) to be measured is laid; - at least one laser distance meter (3a – 3c) which emits a laser beam (8a – 8c), the laser distance meter (3a – 3c) being arranged in such a way that the laser beam (8a – 8c) extends in parallel with the table surface 4 at a short distance so that, when an article of clothing (6) lies on the measuring table (2), the laser beam hits the article of clothing (6); - at least one marking (7a – 7c) on which the article of clothing (6) is laid before a measurement is carried out by means of the at least one laser distance meter (3a – 3c); and - a data-processing device (10) which determines a length dimension of the article of clothing (6) using the position of the at least one marking (7a – 7c) and using a value measured by the one or more laser distance meters (3a – 3c).