Method and device for spreading laundry items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry spreading devices often cause damage due to excessive stretching of laundry edges, particularly when using high-performance machines with multiple clamps, as horizontal sag sensors are prone to measurement errors from background objects.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device is positioned vertically above the spreading clamps to measure the edge of the laundry from above, allowing non-contact distance measurements without interference from adjacent items, enabling precise control of clamp movement to prevent over-stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If horizontal sag sensors are used to measure laundry edge position, then the spreading process can be controlled, but measurement errors occur due to background objects interfering with the sensor readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement dimension from horizontal (side-view) to vertical (top-view). The sensor is positioned above the laundry item and measures the vertical distance to the sagging edge, eliminating interference from background objects that would affect horizontal measurements. This dimensional change allows accurate sag detection even when multiple laundry items are processed in sequence.
2Productivity
If spreading clamps are moved apart at high speed to increase productivity, then the spreading process is efficient, but the laundry edge may be excessively stretched and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the vertical sensor continuously monitors the sagging edge position during the spreading process. The measured sag depth is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the clamp movement speed in real-time. When the edge approaches excessive stretch limits, the system automatically reduces clamp separation speed, preventing damage while maintaining high overall productivity through optimized speed profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of clamp movement parameters based on real-time sag measurements. Rather than using fixed high-speed movement, the system dynamically modifies the separation speed and acceleration profiles of the spreading clamps according to the actual laundry item characteristics and sag development, enabling both high productivity and damage prevention.
3Productivity
If multiple pairs of spreading clamps are used to process multiple laundry items simultaneously, then productivity increases, but background objects interfere with sag sensor measurements
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning sensors vertically above each clamp pair and measuring in the vertical dimension, the system eliminates cross-interference between adjacent laundry items processed simultaneously. Each sensor independently measures the sag of its corresponding laundry item without being affected by items in front or behind, enabling accurate multi-item processing.
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
This approach ensures gentle and reliable spreading of laundry with accurate measurement of edge sagging, preventing damage and allowing for precise control of the spreading process, even at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device (21) views or measures the edge (17) of the item of laundry (10) located between the spreading clamps (15) of the respective pair of spreading clamps (15) from above
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor device determines the edge located below it between adjacent spreader clamps of the respective pair of spreader clamps without contact, preferably multiple times and/or continuously
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Laundry items (10) are spread out by input machines in laundries, and the laundry items are supplied to a laundry treatment machine, for example a mangle, when spread out. Sensor devices (21) for monitoring the spreading process are known. The sensor devices (21) are oriented towards the surface and the transverse edge (17) of the laundry item (10) from the front in order to measure the slack when spreading the laundry item (10). The measurement result can be distorted or the measurement can even be prevented by objects located in the background. According to the invention, the at least one sensor device (21) which operates contactlessly is arranged over the transverse edge (17) of the laundry item (10) in order to ascertain the slack of the upper transverse edge (17) of the laundry item (10). Thus, objects in the background do not influence the measurement result. Reliable measurements can be taken by the at least one sensor device (21) within a very short period of time.