Clothing Hanger Sorting with 1 MHz Data Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sorting clothing on transport hangers are inefficient due to the need for large distances between hangers to read data, limiting sorting capacity and quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that operate a reading device at a frequency of at least 1 MHz, allowing for rapid data reading and sorting of closely spaced transport hangers, with an antenna that can read data wirelessly and move hangers at high speeds, reducing the distance between them to increase sorting performance without sacrificing quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transport hangers are spaced at large distances to enable data reading, then data reading reliability is improved, but sorting performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading reliabilityVSAvoidsorting performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the reading device from conventional low frequencies to at least 1 MHz. This parameter change enables the reading device to read data from transport hangers at high speeds even when hangers are closely spaced, thereby maintaining data reading reliability while improving sorting performance by allowing higher transport speeds and closer hanger spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If transport speed is increased to improve sorting performance, then productivity is improved, but data reading accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting performanceVSAvoiddata reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a reading device operating at a frequency of at least 1 MHz, which enables the system to read data accurately even at high transport speeds of up to 300 hangers per minute. The high-frequency operation allows the reading device to complete data acquisition quickly, maintaining accuracy despite the reduced interaction time caused by higher speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If distance between transport hangers is reduced to increase sorting capacity, then productivity is improved, but data reading reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting capacityVSAvoiddata reading reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By operating the reading device at a frequency of at least 1 MHz, the patent enables reliable data reading even when transport hangers are spaced only 50-150 mm apart. The high-frequency operation allows sufficient data to be read from each hanger within the reduced time window created by closer spacing, thereby maintaining reliability while doubling sorting capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach significantly increases sorting capacity, allowing up to twice as many hangers to be sorted per minute while maintaining high accuracy, and enables continuous uninterrupted transport, enhancing overall sorting performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna reading the relevant data from the data memory wirelessly, in particular by radio, at a transmission speed of at least 1 MHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2128329B1Method and device for sorting items of clothing hanging on transport hangers
Publication Date: 2016.07.06 HERBERT KANNEGIESSER GMBH & CO
  • EP2128329B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2128329B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2128329B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves transporting a set of transporting hangers (11) along a rail system (10), and reading relevant data of pieces of clothes by a reading device (20) from a data storage of the respective transporting hanger or the piece of clothes hung on the transporting hanger. The pieces of clothes are sorted depending on the data, and the reading device is operated with a frequency of 1 mega Hertz (MHZ). The transporting hanger is transported past to the reading device with 50 millimeter to 150 millimeter distance. An independent claim is also included for a device for sorting pieces of clothes hanging on a transporting hanger.