Garment Hanger Positioning With Adaptive Height and Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional garment hanger positioning systems lack flexibility and efficiency in adapting to different types of garments and operators, leading to suboptimal mounting positions and increased operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that uses a gripping tool to position empty garment hangers in individual mounting positions based on data signals from RFID tags or operator input, adjusting vertical and rotational orientations to match the specific garment and operator needs, utilizing linear and rotational actuators for precise placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed mounting position is used for all garment hangers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different garment types and operator needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidmounting position adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting position is made dynamically adjustable through actuators that can change the vertical position and rotational orientation of the garment hanger based on real-time requirements. This allows the system to adapt to different garment types and operator preferences without increasing overall system complexity, as the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing conveyor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes positional parameters (vertical height and rotational angle) of the mounting position based on detected garment characteristics. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple device structure, as only two degrees of freedom are adjusted rather than redesigning the entire positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual positioning adjustment is implemented for each garment hanger, then the adaptability to different garments is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegarment-specific positioningVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Individual positioning adjustment is achieved through dynamic actuators that modify the mounting position in real-time for each garment hanger. The system adjusts vertical height and rotational orientation based on garment detection, providing personalized positioning without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detection mechanisms that identify garment characteristics and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the mounting position for each individual garment, achieving high adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable through automated control rather than manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual positioning adjustment is used, then the adaptability to operator needs is improved, but the productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidhanging operation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of the mounting position based on automatically detected garment characteristics, eliminating the need for manual positioning by operators. This self-service capability maintains high productivity by automating the adjustment process while still achieving optimal positioning for each garment type, thereby preserving operator comfort without sacrificing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Automatic detection and feedback mechanisms identify garment types and automatically adjust the mounting position accordingly, removing the need for manual intervention. This automation maintains high productivity by eliminating positioning time from the operator's workflow while still adapting to different garment requirements, thus improving both efficiency and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If automatic detection and positioning is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanging operation efficiencyVSAvoiddetection and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Automatic detection and positioning systems use feedback mechanisms that sense garment characteristics and automatically adjust mounting parameters. This automation improves productivity by eliminating manual positioning time, while the complexity is managed through integrated control systems that process detection data and execute adjustments without requiring overly sophisticated external equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with automated detection and control systems that use sensors and actuators to adjust mounting positions. This substitution improves productivity by automating the positioning process, while the complexity increase is offset by eliminating manual intervention and using standardized electronic control components rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4114772B1Method for positioning an empty garment hanger in an individual mounting position
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 JENSEN SWEDEN AB
  • EP4114772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4114772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4114772B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for positioning an empty garment hanger in an individual mounting position, comprising the steps of: picking up an empty garment hanger at a loading station with a gripping tool, reading a data signal identifying a garment that is to be hung on the garment hanger, moving the empty garment hanger to a mounting station, adjusting the position of the garment hanger in dependency of the data signal, and holding the garment hanger in the individual mounting position. The advantage of the invention is that the position where a garment is applied on a garment hanger can be adapted to the length of the operator, type of hanger and type of garment, where the position can be adjusted individually for each mounting cycle.