Clothing Styler Weight Prediction via Motor Vibration Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clothing management systems using moving hangers face challenges in accurately determining the weight of clothing without relying on weight sensors, which adds cost and design complexities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize pulse width modulation (PWM) values to control a motor vibrating a moving hanger, employing a pre-trained artificial neural network prediction model to predict clothing weight, and adjust vibration speed and time based on the predicted weight, allowing for effective clothing management without weight sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a weight sensor is used in a clothing styler to determine clothing weight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclothing weight measurementVSAvoidsystem design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical weight sensor system with an AI-based prediction system. The clothing styler uses a pre-trained artificial neural network model that predicts clothing weight based on operational parameters (PWM values, vibration frequencies, timing data) collected during the clothing management process. This substitution eliminates the need for physical weight sensors while maintaining measurement capability through software-based inference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an AI prediction model as an intermediary between the clothing styler's operational data and the clothing weight determination. Instead of directly measuring weight with a sensor, the system uses the trained model to infer weight from intermediate operational parameters, serving as a computational mediator that translates observable operations into weight information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a weight sensor is installed in the clothing styler to enable weight-based control, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclothing weight measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, durable weight sensor hardware with a software-based AI prediction model that can be deployed and updated without physical hardware changes. The 'product' shifts from a physical sensor component to an intangible software model, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the functional capability of weight determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/electrical weight sensor system with an information-processing-based AI model, eliminating the need for additional hardware components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the moving hanger vibrates at high speed for all clothing weights, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of clothing weight deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclothing management efficiencyVSAvoidclothing weight determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic vibration control where the hanger's vibration speed and duration are adjusted based on the predicted clothing weight. The AI model continuously monitors operational parameters and dynamically modifies vibration settings to optimize both processing efficiency and measurement accuracy for different clothing weights, rather than using a fixed high-speed regime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the AI model uses real-time operational data (PWM values, vibration responses) to predict clothing weight and adjust subsequent vibration parameters. This closed-loop control ensures that productivity and measurement precision are optimized together through continuous adaptation based on observed system behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate prediction of clothing weight and optimized vibration control in clothing management operations, reducing costs and design complexities associated with weight sensor usage.

Implementation Method 1

a motor vibrating a moving hanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11550300B2Clothing management using moving hanger

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A clothing management using a moving hanger is provided. A method of controlling a clothing styler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines a weight of clothing using a current RPM (cRPM) determined based on a PWM value provided to a motor and a prediction model based on the pre-trained artificial neural and may perform a suitable control operation according to the determined weight. The clothing styler of the present disclosure may be associated with an artificial intelligence module, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a robot, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, and a device related to a 5G service.