Domestic compact article folding machine having holding conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact and affordable domestic laundry folding machine that can efficiently fold laundry items of various sizes, similar in size to standard washing machines, while being capable of multiple folds and accommodating different article types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A domestic compact article folding machine with stacked primary conveyors, holding conveyors, width-folders, and length-folders, featuring adjustable mechanisms and sensors for detecting article dimensions, capable of performing multiple folds and accommodating various sizes, including a loading and unloading system for efficient folding and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple stacked conveyors and holding conveyors are used to achieve compact folding, then the machine size is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements stacked conveyors where multiple conveyor belts are arranged vertically in nested layers, with each conveyor serving a specific folding stage. This nesting approach compactly packs multiple folding functions into a reduced vertical footprint while maintaining distinct functional zones for each conveyor level.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding machine divides the article folding process into discrete segments handled by separate conveyors and folders. Each conveyor belt and folding mechanism operates as an independent module, allowing the complex folding task to be broken down into manageable sequential operations across multiple stacked levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple width-folders and length-folders are added to accommodate various article sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and movable folding components that can dynamically adapt to different article dimensions. The width-folders and length-folders incorporate adjustment mechanisms allowing their positions and configurations to be modified based on the specific article being folded, providing versatility without requiring completely separate mechanisms for each size category.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanisms are designed with multi-functional capabilities where the same width-folders and length-folders can handle various article types and sizes through adjustable configurations. This universal design allows a single set of folding components to perform multiple folding operations across different garment categories.
3Reliability
If holding conveyors with engagement mechanisms are used to pull and reverse articles, then the folding reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding conveyors serve as intermediary mechanisms between the primary conveyors and the folding operations. These holding conveyors with engagement mechanisms act as mediators that securely grasp articles, reverse their direction, and transfer them between folding stages, ensuring reliable article handling while isolating the complexity of reversal mechanisms from the main conveyor system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A domestic compact article folding machine (10) configured for autonomous article folding includes first, second and third primary conveyors (CI, C2, C3), at least two of which in a stacked formation, each includes two primary rollers (32) and a primary belt (34) which extends thereabout. First and second holding conveyors (Ul, U2), each includes at least three holding rollers (32) and a holding belt (34) which extends thereabout. Each of the holding conveyors engages each of the first and second primary conveyors respectively. The folding machine further includes at least a first width-folder (38) which is configured for creating a width-fold in the article and at least a first length-folder (64) which is configured for creating a length-fold in the article.