A linen spreader apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linen spreader apparatuses often result in undesired folds in the leading portion of the linen due to improper grip and release by the spreader clamps, leading to inefficiencies in processing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an adjustable abutment structure and a transfer beam with a variable width, along with gates and air nozzles to ensure uniform pressure and smooth transfer of linen, minimizing folds by maintaining consistent grip and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spreader clamps grip onto a very large part of the linen fabric at the corner, then the clamps can securely hold the linen, but the leading portion of the linen that comes to lie on the transfer beam will appear with folds
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader clamp is divided into multiple independent gripping elements (first clamp element and second clamp element) that can be positioned at different locations along the linen width. This segmentation allows the clamp to securely grip the corner while leaving the leading portion free of folds when transferred to the conveyor.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the linen are treated differently by the clamp system. The corner region is firmly gripped by the spreader clamps for secure holding, while the leading portion is allowed to remain relatively free to avoid folding. This local differentiation of grip intensity and position resolves the contradiction between secure holding and fold prevention.
2Productivity
If the transfer beam moves quickly to transfer the linen, then productivity is improved, but the linen may not be deposited smoothly causing folds
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer beam's motion is made dynamic with variable speed control. The beam can accelerate quickly for efficient transfer (improving productivity) while also decelerating smoothly near the deposition point to ensure the linen is laid flat without folds (maintaining quality). This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and quality.
3Ease of operation
If the spreader clamps release the linen at the corner, then the leading portion can fall onto the transfer beam, but folds occur in the leading portion
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader clamps are positioned and configured in advance to grip the corner region specifically, leaving the leading portion of the linen untouched and ready for smooth transfer. This preliminary positioning of the clamp elements ensures that when release occurs, the leading portion falls naturally without folds onto the transfer beam.
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
The solution effectively prevents folds in the linen during transfer, enhancing processing efficiency by ensuring a flat and smooth deposition onto the conveyor.
Implementation Method 1
by the simultaneous application of a sideways oriented blast of air
Implementation Method 2
the transfer beam temporarily holds on to the leading portion of the piece of laundry by suction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to linen spreader apparatus (1) including a conveyor (30) defining a machine direction (MD), a pair of spreader clamps (20) movable transversally to said ma-chine direction (MD) towards each other, and away from each other for spreading out a piece of linen (L), at least one charger station (10), each charger station (10) delivering a corner (C) of a leading portion (LI) of a piece of linen (L) to a respective one of said spreader clamps (12, 12'), a transfer beam (70) for transferring a piece of spread out linen (L) from said at least one pair of spreader clamps (20) to said convey-or (30), said transfer beam (70) having a leading edge (72) and a trailing edge (74) and being arranged to move back and forth in said machine direction (MD) between advanced and retracted positions, said leading edge (72) of said transfer beam (70) located in a region below said spreader clamps (20) in said advanced position, said transfer beam (70) being configured for temporarily holding on to a portion of said piece of linen (L) as the transfer beam (70) moves from said advanced position towards said retracted position, and an elongated transverse abutment structure (50) having an abutment face (F), for holding a portion of said piece of linen (L) between said leading edge (72) of said transfer beam (70) and said abutment face (F), pressurised air exits (4) for directing said leading portion (LI) of said piece of linen (L) onto said transfer beam (70) when said piece of linen (L) is released from said spreader clamps (22), and one or more gates (55, 56) movable between a first position and a second position, said gates (55, 56) defining a part of said abutment face (F) in said first position.