Laundry U-Configuration Spreading for Automated Mangle Feeding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in automatically supplying laundry to a feeding machine by forming adjacent corners of the leading edge for efficient feeding into a laundry treatment device, such as a mangle, especially after separation, as the edge needs to be stretched and oriented correctly for automated processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve forming a U-like configuration of the laundry by stretching it apart using a conveyor system with varying belt speeds and a retaining mechanism to create distinct adjacent corners, allowing for fully automated feeding by forming the required edge orientation without extending the cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If laundry is automatically separated and supplied to the feeding machine, then automation extent is improved, but the ability to form adjacent corners of the leading edge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry is pre-formed into a U-like configuration before being supplied to the feeding machine. This preliminary shaping action creates the necessary corner structure in advance, allowing the automated system to maintain both high automation and precise corner formation. The U-like configuration is created by guiding the laundry through a specific path that naturally forms the required geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
A spreading device acts as an intermediary between the separation system and the feeding machine. This intermediate device performs the corner-forming function by spreading the laundry and creating the U-like configuration, bridging the gap between automated separation and the precision required for corner formation.
2Shape
If laundry is stretched apart to form adjacent corners, then shape is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching and corner-forming actions are performed in advance while the laundry is being conveyed, rather than as a separate subsequent step. The U-like configuration is created during the normal flow of laundry processing, so the shape improvement does not add to the cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner-forming process is integrated into the continuous conveyance of laundry. The spreading device operates continuously as laundry passes through, maintaining the flow without interruption. The stretching apart of the laundry to form corners occurs seamlessly during the normal processing cycle, not as an additional discrete step.
3Manufacturing precision
If laundry is conveyed through a spreading device, then spreading quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreading device performs multiple functions: it conveys the laundry, spreads it to form the U-like configuration, creates the adjacent corners, and maintains proper orientation. By combining these functions into a single device, the overall system complexity is reduced compared to having separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreading device utilizes variations in belt speed parameters to achieve spreading and corner formation. By changing the speed parameters of the conveyor belts in a controlled manner, the device creates the necessary mechanical actions for shaping the laundry without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 efficient and fully automated supply of laundry to the feeding machine by creating the necessary edge orientation, ensuring effective spreading and feeding into the laundry treatment device without excessive cycle time or damage to the laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor with at least one clip for hanging up a respective item of laundry (10), and a conveyor cascade (24), wherein the transport speed of the conveyor cascade (24) increases in the supply direction (12)
Data Source
AI summary
The automatic supply of items of laundry to a feeding machine for supplying the items of laundry to a mangle requires the formation of adjacent corners of an edge of the item of laundry, which edge is to be spread upstream of the feeding machine, which hitherto has not been able to be achieved automatically with sufficient reliability. The invention brings the respective item of laundry into a U-shaped configuration before same is supplied to the feeding machine and, starting from said configuration, to stretch apart said item of laundry with a spreading device having a conveyor cascade. This reliably forms the adjacent corners of the edge, which is to be stretched out, of the item of laundry, said corners being required for automatically feeding the item of laundry into the feeding machine. A reliable automatic supply of the respective item of laundry to the feeding machine is therefore ensured.