Method and device for preparing bed fitted covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manual process for forming corner regions of fitted sheets or similar protective covers is time-consuming and dependent on the skill of the operator, as it requires folding and sewing of cloth corners, making it difficult to achieve precise and automated production.

Innovation Solution

The process involves holding the cloth at two points near the corner edges, shifting one point parallel to the other to form a right-angled triangle, attaching a seam along the second cathetus, and cutting the cloth, allowing for mechanical execution of corner formation without folding the cloth, using mechanical, automatic, or electrical devices for precise and efficient production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual folding and sewing of cloth corners is performed, then corner regions can be formed, but the process is time-consuming and dependent on operator skill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of corner region formationVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical folding and sewing process with an automated mechanical system. A transport device moves the cloth piece through a sequence of mechanically controlled operations: corner regions are automatically folded, seams are automatically attached, and excess cloth is automatically cut away. This substitution eliminates operator skill dependency and significantly increases production speed while maintaining consistent precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner formation process is divided into distinct sequential segments: (1) folding the corner region, (2) attaching the seam along the folded edge, and (3) cutting away the excess cloth tip. This segmentation allows each operation to be independently optimized and automated, improving both precision and productivity compared to manual integrated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If manual corner formation is performed, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but automation is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of corner formationVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device is pre-configured with fixed positioning mechanisms and predetermined movement paths. The cloth piece is automatically positioned at each stage before folding, sewing, and cutting operations. This preliminary automated positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment and handling, enabling full automation while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized, repeatable sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamically adjustable mechanical components that can adapt to different cloth sizes and configurations. The transport device includes movable arms, adjustable folding mechanisms, and programmable cutting positions that respond to the specific dimensions of each cloth piece, providing both automation and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3606385B1Method and device for preparing bed fitted covers
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 SCHMALE HLDG GMBH
  • EP3606385B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3606385B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3606385B1 patent drawingFigure 7~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing fitted bedsheets, in which: rectangular sheet pieces (9) are cut; each corner (1,5) of the sheet pieces (9) is folded in on itself, the portions that are folded in on themselves are joined by a seam at a distance from the tip of the corner (1,5) of the sheet piece; and the tip projecting beyond the seam is cut off, forming a rectangular-shaped sheet piece (11), wherein the sheet piece (9) is held at each corner (1,5) at two holding points (2, 3; 6, 7), the first holding point (2; 6) on the first peripheral edge (13,13') is moved parallel to a plane covered by the sheet piece to the second holding point (3; 7) on the second peripheral edge (14,14'), together with the associated portion of the sheet piece (9); and the holding points (2 ',3; 6', 7) are held one on top of the other and a sheet flap in the shape of a right-angled triangle is formed, said sheet flap being provided with the seam (18) along the second leg (17) of the triangle then being cut off next to the seam (18) following the line of the latter.