Compact Garment Folding Apparatus Using Nested Rotating Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing apparatuses for deformable thin objects are large and not suitable for household use due to their size, making them impractical for domestic applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact processing apparatus featuring a pair of retaining devices with movable mechanisms, a carrying device with a rotating plate, an imaging device for subject recognition, and an infrared light source to differentiate between the subject and background, allowing for efficient folding and transportation of deformable thin objects like garments and towels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional processing apparatuses are used for deformable thin objects, then processing capability is achieved, but the apparatus size becomes large and unsuitable for household use
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying plate is rotatably mounted within the housing, allowing it to fold back against the housing when not in use. This nesting arrangement enables the processing apparatus to maintain full processing capability when the plate is extended, while reducing to a compact form factor for storage or household placement when the plate is folded back into the housing space.
2Volume of moving object
If the carrying plate is made freely rotating, then space for movement is minimized and compactness is achieved, but control over the plate position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the rotational position of the carrying plate and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this position information and controls the motor to stop the plate at predetermined positions (such as horizontal or vertical orientations). This feedback mechanism enables precise position control while maintaining the space efficiency of a freely rotating plate design.
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 apparatus effectively recognizes and folds deformable thin objects, reducing the overall size by minimizing the space required for movement, making it more compact and suitable for household use without compromising processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light source that emits infrared rays onto the processing subject, wherein the imaging device obtains the image data relating to the processing subject via an infrared filter
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a more compact processing apparatus than previously available. Provided is a processing apparatus for unfurling or folding a processing subject (T), including a pair of retaining devices (310A, 310B) capable of retaining the processing subject (T), a carrying device (402) capable of carrying the processing subject (T) such that a part of the processing subject (T) hangs down therefrom while the processing subject (T) is retained by at least one of the pair of retaining devices (310A, 310B), and a control device that controls movement of the retaining devices (310A, 310B) and the carrying device (402), wherein the control device rotates the carrying device (402) in a condition where the retained processing subject (T) hangs down from the carrying device (402).