Method and apparatus for spreading out laundry items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry spreading devices face inefficiencies in spreading flat linen items, as they require measuring the sag and length of the edge during the spreading process, which prolongs the cycle time and can lead to excessive stretching or damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where the edge length is measured before transferring the laundry to the spreading clamps, using detection means arranged upstream to determine the sag and width of the laundry item statically, allowing the spreading device to operate without real-time measurements, thus reducing cycle time and preventing excessive stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the edge length is measured during the spreading process using detection means, then the sag can be reduced, but the cycle time increases and excessive stretching may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the edge length of the laundry item before the spreading process begins. The detection means determines the edge length while the laundry item is still on the feeding conveyor, allowing the spreading device to be pre-configured with the correct clamp spacing to eliminate sag without requiring measurement during the spreading cycle itself
2Manufacturing precision
If the detection means measures the edge length during spreading, then the sag is reduced, but the spreading operation becomes more complex and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the spreading device itself and places it on the feeding conveyor upstream. This separation allows the detection means to operate independently during the feeding phase, providing data to the spreading device without adding complexity to the spreading mechanism's control system
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time measurement is performed during spreading, then the sag can be eliminated, but the spreading speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge length measurement is performed in advance on the feeding conveyor before the laundry item reaches the spreading device. This preliminary measurement allows the spreading clamps to be positioned correctly from the start of the spreading operation, eliminating the need for real-time measurement and control during spreading, thereby maintaining high spreading speed while achieving sag elimination
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus that makes provision for a length of a transverse edge of a laundry item to be spread out to be measured upstream of a spreading device, to be precise preferably from above. It is thereby possible to individually determine the length of the transverse edge for each individual laundry item before the laundry item is situated in the spreading device. The length dimension of the transverse edge determined upstream of the spreading device can then be used to move apart the spreading clamps of the spreading device in a targeted and controlled manner in order to spread out the transverse edge in as gentle a manner as possible.