Garment Shaping Fixture With Integrated Humidity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clothing shaping devices require operator expertise to set drying times, leading to inefficient energy use and incomplete drying due to varying fabric types, as they lack automated moisture sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device with a humidity sensor integrated into the fixing element, allowing for precise moisture measurement and automatic control of heat and steam application, ensuring efficient and complete drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual drying time setting is used based on operator experience, then the device can operate with simple structure, but the drying process becomes inefficient and energy-consuming due to inability to adapt to different fabric types
Solution Approach 1:
The humidity sensor is integrated into the fixing element, merging the measurement function with the existing structural component. This combination eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures and reduces overall device complexity while achieving automated drying control
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element serves dual purposes: mechanically securing the garment and functioning as a humidity sensor carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the device structure while enabling automated drying time control
2Loss of energy
If fixed drying time is used, then the device operation is simple, but energy is wasted when drying time is too long or drying is incomplete when time is too short
Solution Approach 1:
The humidity sensor provides real-time feedback on the moisture content of the garment during the drying process. This feedback enables the control system to automatically adjust or terminate the drying cycle when the garment reaches the desired dryness level, preventing energy waste from excessive drying time while ensuring complete drying
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and controls the drying process based on actual moisture conditions without requiring manual intervention. The humidity sensor and control system work together to self-regulate the drying time, eliminating the need for operator expertise while optimizing energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If humidity sensor is integrated into the fixing element, then moisture measurement is precise and reproducible, but the fixing element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The humidity sensor is merged with the fixing element, utilizing the existing contact surface and pressure application mechanism of the fixing element to achieve precise moisture measurement. This integration avoids adding separate measurement apparatus while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 device achieves a fully automated, energy-efficient drying process by measuring moisture content and adjusting drying parameters, reducing energy consumption and ensuring garments are completely dry.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing element and the system part associated with the fixing element both form part of the humidity sensor
Implementation Method 2
clothing is subjected to hot air and/or steam
Implementation Method 3
hot air and/or hot steam is typically blown over the base and through the garment stretched thereon, thereby drying and/or smoothing the garment
Data Source
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AI summary
The finishing device (10) has a base structure (12) which spans the clothes. A fixing element (24) is attached on a bearing element (18) of the base structure, for holding clothes. A humidity sensor (50) e.g. capacitive humidity sensor is arranged to sense humidity at contact points of clothes. The stream or hot air passing through openings of base structure is controlled by a control or regulating unit based on sensing result of sensor. The contact surface of fixing element or bearing element is made of metal, electrically conductive foam, or electrically conductive fabric.