Fabric Sensor Combining Thickness and Capacitance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual adjustment of operating parameters in garment treatment devices is often inaccurate due to users' lack of knowledge about optimal settings for different fabric types, leading to unsuitable treatment results.
Innovation Solution
A fabric sensor with a movable structural component and a thickness measurement mechanism that determines fabric type by combining thickness measurement and electrical characteristic sensing, allowing for automatic adjustment of operating parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of operating parameters is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the accuracy of fabric type determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric sensor system is segmented into multiple independent sensing components: a first sensor for detecting fabric electrical characteristics and a second sensor for measuring fabric thickness. Each sensor independently measures a specific parameter, and the processing unit combines these measurements to determine fabric type. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high determination accuracy while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If a single type of sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the robustness of fabric type determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two different sensing mechanisms (electrical characteristic sensing and thickness measurement) into a single integrated fabric sensor system. The first sensing surface detects electrical characteristics such as capacitance or conductance, while the second sensing surface measures thickness. By combining these complementary measurements, the system achieves robust and reliable fabric type determination that overcomes the limitations of using a single sensor type.
3Extent of automation
If manual parameter adjustment is required, then the device automation level remains low, but the user operation burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric sensor system enables self-service automation by automatically detecting fabric characteristics and determining optimal operating parameters without requiring user intervention. The processing unit receives signals from both sensing surfaces, processes the combined data to identify fabric type, and automatically sets appropriate treatment parameters. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust settings, significantly reducing operation burden while achieving high automation levels.
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 fabric sensor provides accurate and robust determination of fabric type, enabling optimal treatment settings for garments, reducing user hassle and improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the characteristic of the fabric is a value proportional to the capacitance between the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface when in the closed arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fabric sensor (1) for determining a fabric type. The fabric sensor (1) comprises a first structural component (2) comprising a first sensing surface (3), and a second structural component (4) comprising a second sensing surface (5). The first structural component (2) and the second structural component (4) are movable relative to each other to form a closed arrangement wherein the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5) hold the fabric. The fabric sensor (1) also comprises a thickness measurement mechanism (6) for measuring a thickness of the fabric when the fabric is held between the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5). The fabric sensor (1) also comprises a processing unit (7) coupled to the thickness measurement mechanism (6) and at least one of the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5). At least one of the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5) is adapted to sense a characteristic of the fabric. The processing unit (7) is configured to determine the fabric type based on the thickness of the fabric and the characteristic of the fabric.