Hanger Neck Sleeve Barcode System for Automated Garment Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment sorting systems face inefficiencies due to the need for manual feeding and identification of garments, difficulty in scanning machine-readable tags on various garment types, and entanglement issues, leading to slow and inaccurate sorting processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a machine-readable hanger neck sleeve member with a unique barcode that is scanned initially and applied to the hanger, providing a consistent scan point throughout the sorting process, reducing the need for human operators and enabling automated sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual feeding and identification of garments is used, then operators can handle various garment types, but sorting speed and efficiency are slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically feeding garments onto the conveyor through the garment pile interaction mechanism, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in the feeding process while maintaining the ability to handle various garment types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical feeding with an automated system that uses the garment pile's physical interaction with the conveyor to automatically feed garments, substituting human labor with a mechanical self-feeding mechanism
2Extent of automation
If machine-readable tags are placed on garments, then automated scanning is enabled, but tags are difficult to locate and scan on various garment types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the garment pile itself acts as a mediator to present tags to scanners. The pile's natural formation and movement bring tags into scanning position without requiring active location or manipulation, solving the difficulty of detecting tags on various garment types
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of the garment pile's state and tag positions through scanning, allowing the computer to track and identify garments without physically locating each tag. The scan data creates a digital copy of the physical arrangement
3Speed
If garments are suspended on conventional rails or conveyors, then transport is enabled, but entanglement of garments or hangers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the garment pile to move and interact with the conveyor in a controlled, dynamic manner. The pile's movement is regulated to maintain separation between garments while enabling continuous feeding, preventing entanglement through dynamic control rather than static positioning
4Measurement precision
If automated sorting systems are implemented, then sorting accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single garment pile interaction mechanism that performs multiple functions: feeding garments onto the conveyor, presenting tags to scanners, and maintaining garment separation. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining automated sorting accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method utilizes a machine readable garment identification tag at a first station to enter information on the specific garment into a computer system. The garment data from the garment identification tag is assigned to a garment identifier which is printed or formed on a hanger neck sleeve member. The hanger neck sleeve member provides a consistent scan point through all the subsequent sorting stations in the system. This eliminates the need to search for the position of the garment tag to scan in sort stations subsequent to the initial station. Each hanger neck sleeve member has a machine readable code that is assigned to the associated garment and is placed on the neck of the hanger for that garment. The position of the hanger neck sleeve member on the neck of the hanger makes it readily accessible and readable, significantly more so than the garment tag in these regards.