Laundry Spreader Clip Control to Prevent Corner Ear Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spreading laundry items using spreader clips often result in irreversible deformations and 'ear formation' at corner regions, leading to damage and unsatisfactory processing, especially for flatwork items like tablecloths.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where imaging means capture corner regions gripped by spreader clips during spreading, comparing them to predefined references to stop the process when deformation exceeds tolerance, preventing excessive opening and 'ear formation', using sensors to monitor sag and distance to ensure gentle processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spreader clips are moved apart to spread the laundry item, then the laundry item is spread out efficiently, but corner regions deform and 'ear formation' occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by continuously monitoring the corner regions during spreading using imaging means (cameras). The control unit compares captured images with reference images and automatically adjusts the spreading process or stops it when deformation exceeds acceptable limits, thus preventing ear formation while maintaining efficient spreading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by capturing images of corner regions before significant deformation occurs and comparing them with predefined reference images. This allows the system to detect early signs of ear formation and take corrective action (adjusting spreader clip movement or stopping the process) before irreversible damage happens
2Shape
If spreader clips hold corner regions firmly, then the laundry item is spread evenly, but irreversible deformation and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system provides real-time feedback on corner region condition during spreading. The control unit monitors for signs of stress concentration or deformation and adjusts the spreading force or stops the process to prevent corner region damage while maintaining overall laundry item uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using imaging means to monitor only the critical corner regions while allowing the rest of the laundry item to be spread normally. This selective monitoring enables gentle processing of vulnerable areas without compromising the spreading efficiency of the entire item
Data Source
AI summary
For the purpose of delivering a laundry item (10) to an ironer, the laundry item (10) is spread, by opposite corners of a lateral edge (20), by means of spreader clips (18, 19). In this case, deformations, or “ear formation” may occur at the corner regions (12, 13) of the laundry item (10) that are gripped by the spreader clips (18, 19). This “ear formation” is mostly irreversible, and in the long term results in damage to the laundry items (10). The invention creates a method and a device by which the laundry item (10) is delivered to an ironer in a gentle manner. For this purpose, at least one corner region (12, 13) of the laundry item (10) that is gripped by a spreader clip (18, 19) is captured by an imaging means as the laundry item (10) is being spread.