Garment Stain Removal System with Optical Detection and Vacuum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry cleaning methods lack the ability to autonomously and efficiently remove stains from garments, often requiring manual intervention and multiple cleaning cycles.
Innovation Solution
A stain removal system that includes an optical sensor for image capture, a cleaning fluid nozzle, a steam nozzle, a mechanical cleaning tool, and a vacuum subsystem, which work together to detect the stain type, select the appropriate cleaning fluid and method, and automatically remove the stain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention and multiple cleaning cycles are used, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor captures an image of the stain before cleaning begins, and the controller pre-determines the stain type and selects the appropriate cleaning fluid and parameters based on the image analysis, enabling automated decision-making and eliminating manual intervention delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously detects the stain, identifies its type through image processing, selects the appropriate cleaning fluid, and executes the cleaning cycle without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself and reduce operational time
2Reliability
If manual intervention and multiple cleaning cycles are used, then stain removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously detects the stain, identifies its type through image processing, selects the appropriate cleaning fluid, and executes the cleaning cycle without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself and reduce operational time
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection and decision-making process is replaced by an optical sensor and controller that automatically analyze the stain image and determine the appropriate cleaning parameters, eliminating the need for manual effort and expertise
3Device complexity
If generic cleaning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different stain types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different cleaning fluids and parameters to different stain types by first analyzing the stain's characteristics through optical sensing, then tailoring the cleaning approach specifically to that stain's properties rather than using a uniform method
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts cleaning parameters such as fluid type, application amount, and cycle duration based on the detected stain type, enabling the same physical system to adapt to various stain characteristics through parameter modification rather than structural complexity
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 system effectively and autonomously removes stains from garments by using customized cleaning fluids and methods tailored to the specific stain and fabric type, reducing manual effort and cycle duration.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor (102) arranged over the stage (104), defining a field of view directed toward the stain removal work zone (106), and configured to capture an image of the stained region of the garment
Implementation Method 2
configured to direct a jet of steam along the nozzle axis toward the stain removal zone to tension the stained region of the garment across the window, enhance penetration of the cleaning fluid into the fibers of the garment
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum subsystem (118): fluidly coupled to the window opposite the cleaning fluid nozzle (110); and configured to suction air though the garment to remove cleaning fluid and particles forming the stain from the stained region of the garment
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: accessing an image of a region of a garment located on a stage; extracting a set of features from the image; based on the set of features, detecting a stain in the region on the garment and interpreting a stain type of the stain; based on the stain type, selecting a cleaning fluid, from a set of cleaning fluids, for application onto the region of the garment. The method further includes, during a stain removal cycle: dispensing a volume of the cleaning fluid onto the region of the garment adjacent the stain via a nozzle facing the stage; and drawing air through the region of the garment and the stage via a vacuum subsystem facing the stage opposite the nozzle to remove the cleaning fluid and stain particles of the stain from the garment.