Folding Guide Surfaces Prevent Article Fluttering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding techniques fail to accurately fold separated articles, such as worn items, as the to-be-folded portions tend to flutter and do not align properly with existing folder plates.
Innovation Solution
A folding system with a carrier section and folder plates featuring first, second, and third guide surfaces that guide the to-be-folded portions in a sequential manner, ensuring accurate folding by guiding them from a parallel surface to a rising surface and finally onto the main portion, preventing fluttering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional folder plates with edge portions are used to guide to-be-folded portions, then the folding structure is simple, but the to-be-folded portions flutter and folding accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folder plate is segmented into three distinct guide surfaces (first, second, and third guide surfaces) with different functions. The first guide surface guides the to-be-folded portion in parallel to the carrying surface, the second guide surface gradually raises it, and the third guide surface folds it onto the main portion. This segmentation allows each surface to perform a specific function, preventing fluttering while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple edge-contact folding method to a multi-dimensional guiding approach. The guide surfaces are arranged at different heights and angles, creating a three-dimensional path that gradually raises and folds the to-be-folded portion. This dimensional change eliminates the fluttering problem by providing continuous contact and guidance throughout the folding process.
2Device complexity
If the to-be-folded portion is guided by edge portions of folder plates, then the device structure is simple, but the to-be-folded portion cannot be accurately folded onto the main portion
Solution Approach 1:
The first guide surface performs a preliminary guiding action by guiding the to-be-folded portion in parallel to the carrying surface before the actual folding occurs. This preliminary action positions the to-be-folded portion correctly and prevents fluttering, ensuring that subsequent folding actions achieve accurate positioning on the main portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The second guide surface is designed to gradually raise the to-be-folded portion through a curved or inclined surface, transitioning it from a horizontal position to a folded position. This curved path ensures smooth movement and precise positioning, eliminating the abrupt edge-contact method that causes positioning inaccuracies.
3Device complexity
If conventional parallel folder plates are used, then the folding mechanism is simple, but fluttering occurs during the folding process
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is made dynamic through the sequential action of three guide surfaces at different heights and angles. The to-be-folded portion moves through a dynamic path that adapts to its movement, with each guide surface providing stability at a different stage of the folding process. This dynamic approach prevents fluttering while maintaining a simple overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces act as intermediaries between the to-be-folded portion and the final folded position. Instead of direct edge-contact folding, the three guide surfaces mediate the folding process by providing continuous guidance and support, eliminating fluttering through intermediate contact points that control the movement of the to-be-folded portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in which, while an article is carried with a main portion in contact with a carrying surface and a to-be-folded portion in contact with a folder plate, includes: a first guiding step, wherein a first guide surface guides the to-be-folded portion of the unfolded article, on a side of the carrying surface, in parallel to the carrying surface; a second guiding step, following the first guiding step, wherein a second guide surface, while being in contact with the to-be-folded portion, gradually raises the to-be-folded portion while moving downstream; and a third guiding step, following the second guiding step, wherein a third guide surface guides the to-be-folded portion so that the to-be-folded portion is folded onto the main portion.