Method for feeding pieces of laundry to a laundry subsequent handling apparatus and device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for feeding pieces of laundry to laundry handling apparatuses like mangles or folding machines are only partially automated, making it difficult to determine the optimal point for gripping and isolating individual pieces for reliable and efficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing imaging apparatuses to determine the optimal gripping point and control the movement of a gripper and conveyor system in three-dimensional space, allowing for precise alignment and handling of laundry pieces, including the use of clamps to stretch and align edges for reliable feeding onto a feed conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual methods are used to isolate and feed pieces of laundry, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but automation level remains partial and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system comprising imaging apparatus (optical field), control unit (information processing), and actuators (mechanical field). The imaging apparatus captures images of the laundry pile, the control unit processes images to determine optimal gripping points and coordinates movements, and actuators execute precise positioning and gripping actions, achieving full automation while ensuring reliable handling through coordinated multi-field integration.
2Measurement precision
If the optimal gripping point is determined manually, then simplicity is maintained, but precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an imaging apparatus that captures images of the laundry pile and its pieces. The control unit processes these images to automatically determine the optimal gripping point based on piece orientation, size, and position, achieving high measurement precision through optical-field information processing without requiring complex mechanical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus and control unit serve as intermediaries between the laundry pieces and the gripping mechanism. Instead of direct manual contact and assessment, the system uses image data as an intermediary to transmit information about piece characteristics to the control system, which then translates this information into precise gripping actions, simplifying the overall interaction while maintaining high precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If laundry pieces are fed without alignment, then processing speed is maintained, but manufacturing precision of feeding position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment actions before the laundry pieces reach the feed conveyor. The imaging apparatus identifies the optimal orientation and position of each piece, the control unit calculates the required alignment adjustments, and the actuators execute gripping and positioning operations to align pieces with the feed conveyor direction, ensuring precise manufacturing precision while maintaining productivity through automated coordinated actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for supporting the isolating of pieces of laundry from a pile of laundry by means of an imaging apparatus. A further imaging apparatus serves for raising a front edge region of the piece of laundry onto the feed conveyor in an aligned manner. Furthermore, the gripping of corners or also edges, in particular the alignment thereof, can be detected by means of an imaging apparatus. The gripping and aligning of the pieces of laundry can be controlled or regulated by way of the positions and edge contours of the same which are determined by the imaging apparatuses. As a result, reliable, fully automated isolating of pieces of laundry and/or fully automated, targeted feeding of pieces of laundry to a folding machine or another such laundry subsequent handling apparatus is ensured.