Laundry Sorting Conveyor With Image Recognition and Air Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry sorting methods are partially automated and manual, requiring multiple handling steps and lacking efficiency in distinguishing between different laundry items for appropriate washing treatments based on color and fabric type.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing image recognition to determine the color and structure of laundry items without contact, allowing for automatic sorting into appropriate treatment categories, with items being transferred pneumatically to ensure reliable sorting and minimize manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual sorting methods are used, then flexibility in handling different laundry items is maintained, but productivity and automation level are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated optical detection system. Image recognition technology captures visual data of laundry items, and a control unit automatically processes this data to determine sorting criteria such as color and fabric type, eliminating the need for manual inspection and decision-making while significantly increasing sorting productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables laundry items to be automatically sorted based on their own visual characteristics. The image recognition system captures features of each item, and the control unit autonomously determines the appropriate sorting category without human intervention, allowing the sorting process to serve itself through automated detection and classification
2Measurement precision
If multiple handling steps are used for sorting, then sorting accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional image recognition system that simultaneously detects multiple sorting criteria including color, fabric type, and other laundry characteristics in a single integrated process. The control unit processes all these parameters together to generate comprehensive sorting decisions, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection devices and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sorting functions into a single automated system. The image recognition unit captures all necessary visual information, and the control unit integrates this data to simultaneously determine color-based sorting, fabric-type-based sorting, and other classification parameters, reducing the number of handling steps while maintaining high sorting accuracy
3Productivity
If intermediate manual steps are required between sorting stages, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but productivity and automation consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous automated sorting process where laundry items move through the system on a conveyor belt while the image recognition system continuously captures images and the control unit continuously processes sorting decisions. This eliminates interruptions and manual transfer steps, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the sorting process while simplifying operation through full automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated control unit as an intermediary between image detection and sorting execution. This control unit receives image data, processes sorting criteria, and automatically generates sorting commands, serving as a digital mediator that replaces manual coordination steps and enables seamless automated operation between different sorting stages
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
Enables fully automated preparation of laundry for washing by accurately sorting items based on color and fabric type, ensuring appropriate washing treatments without intermediate manual steps and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
the color or structure representing a sorting criterion, possibly also the color and structure, of the respective laundry item is determined by image recognition. The image recognition scans a part of the respective item of laundry without contact
Implementation Method 2
In this way, each individual item of laundry can be supplied to the respective individual treatment according to the established sorting criterion by the distribution conveyor, or transferred to a respective suitable store for items of laundry with sorting criteria permitting the same treatment. In particular, compressed air is used for this purpose.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves determining a sorting criterion e.g. color and/or structure, on items of linen hanging from a transportation device (11) by image recognition. The image recognition is carried out in a darkened region along the transportation device during continuous onward transportation of the respective item of linen. The items of linen are individually transferred to a distributor conveyor (57) via an intermediate conveyor (56) after determining the criterion. The items of linen are moved away from the distributor conveyor by compressed air. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for singling out items of linen (2) a method for transferring an individual item of linen to a conveyor (3) a device for singling out items of linen, comprising a sensor (4) a device for transferring an item of linen to a subsequent conveyor, comprising a gripper (5) a device for sorting items of linen to be washed, comprising a transportation device.