Method for folding laundry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry folding machines face challenges in achieving optimal folding quality, especially in mixed operations where items of different sizes and types are folded, leading to overlap differences that affect folding precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining criteria such as thickness, weight, and other properties of each laundry item to adjust the folding process, using correction values stored in a matrix to ensure accurate overlap dimensions, thereby minimizing overlap differences and improving folding precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the folding machine is set to an estimated average value for mixed operation, then the machine can handle various laundry items, but the folding quality deteriorates due to overlap differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the folding machine settings adjustable and adaptable during operation. The system dynamically modifies folding parameters such as overlap dimension, folding speed, and pressure based on detected laundry characteristics (thickness, weight, material properties), enabling the machine to maintain high folding quality across different laundry types rather than relying on fixed average settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying folding machine parameters (overlap dimension, folding speed, pressure, temperature) according to the specific characteristics of each laundry item. The control system adjusts these parameters based on detected properties like thickness and weight, allowing precise optimization of folding quality for each item while maintaining versatility across different laundry types
2Manufacturing precision
If the mechanical settings of the folding machine are changed to reduce overlap difference, then the folding quality improves, but the downtime increases and requires skilled operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic detection and adjustment system that independently determines optimal folding parameters for each laundry item. The system uses sensors to detect laundry characteristics and automatically modifies folding settings without requiring operator intervention, thereby eliminating downtime associated with manual reconfiguration while maintaining high folding quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors folding results and adjusts parameters in real-time. The system detects overlap differences and other quality metrics, then automatically modifies folding parameters for subsequent items, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and reducing downtime while maintaining consistent high-quality folding
3Manufacturing precision
If the mechanical settings are changed to reduce overlap difference, then the folding quality improves, but the operational complexity increases due to required skill and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic detection and adjustment system that independently determines optimal folding parameters for each laundry item. The system uses sensors to detect laundry characteristics and automatically modifies folding settings without requiring operator intervention, thereby eliminating downtime associated with manual reconfiguration while maintaining high folding quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors and algorithms to determine optimal folding parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for operator skill and experience in mechanically adjusting settings, as the electronic control system automatically optimizes parameters based on detected laundry properties, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining high folding quality
Data Source
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AI summary
When folding items of laundry (10), several layers are placed one on top of the other so that they overlap. In order to achieve optimum folding quality, efforts are made to achieve layers of the same length when folding. In practice, this is often not possible, resulting in an overlapping difference that impairs the folding quality. This applies above all when different items of laundry (10) are folded one after the other. The invention provides for the folding process to be adapted to the respective item of laundry (10) on the basis of at least one criterion, so that this overlapping dimension, which is provided at least approximately, is folded. For this purpose, the folding machine is preferably set automatically on the basis of the at least one criterion. The invention makes it possible to automatically fold each of the successive and possibly different items of laundry (10) with the optimum folding quality.