Method and device for sorting laundry items
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry sorting devices face inefficiencies due to uneven filling of delivery points, leading to reduced sorting performance as some points are constantly emptied while others remain underutilized due to varying frequencies of laundry items with different sorting criteria.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic assignment of sorting criteria to delivery points based on the number and type of laundry items, allowing for temporary storage and redistribution of items to optimize filling and utilization of all points, with the option to change criteria automatically or manually depending on item availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed sorting criteria are assigned to delivery points, then simple operation is achieved, but sorting performance decreases due to uneven utilization of delivery points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment of sorting criteria to delivery points based on real-time monitoring of delivered items. The system automatically adjusts which sorting criterion is assigned to each delivery point depending on the current batch of laundry items, ensuring optimal utilization of all delivery points while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
2Productivity
If delivery points are constantly emptied for frequently occurring sorting criteria, then throughput for common items is improved, but overall sorting performance decreases due to underutilized delivery points
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the frequency and distribution of sorting criteria in incoming laundry batches. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically reassigns sorting criteria to delivery points to balance the workload, preventing any single delivery point from being constantly emptied while others remain underutilized, thus optimizing both throughput and time efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sorting criteria are assigned to delivery points, then adaptability to varying laundry compositions is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the delivery points and control unit automatically manage the assignment of sorting criteria without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors incoming laundry items and autonomously reassigns sorting criteria to appropriate delivery points, maintaining high adaptability to varying laundry compositions while preserving ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method and device (10) for sorting items of laundry, in particular dirty items of laundry, the device (10) comprising a conveyor (12, 13, 19, 23), with a store (22, 24) having at least one storage section (25) and with preferably a plurality of delivery points (15, 20) for items of laundry with corresponding sorting criteria, with the conveyor (19, 23) transporting the items of laundry through the store (22, 24) and past the delivery points (15, 20) and with at least some delivery points ( 15, 20) changing sorting criteria can be assigned.