Portable textile treatment device with control of operating parameter based on textile classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment care technologies require manual adjustment of ironing settings, which can be inconvenient and prone to errors, especially when care labels are lost or damaged, leading to potential damage of textiles during ironing.
Innovation Solution
A portable textile treatment device equipped with a heatable soleplate, steam engine, and image sensor that automatically classifies fabric delicateness using an algorithm, adjusting temperature and steam settings accordingly to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the maximum temperature is reduced to omit manual control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates because ironing of tougher materials requires more time
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects fabric type through image processing and self-adjusts temperature and steam parameters without user intervention. The control unit executes algorithms to classify fabric delicateness and autonomously sets optimal operating parameters, enabling the device to serve itself rather than requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters (temperature and steam amount) based on detected fabric characteristics. The control unit adjusts temperature between 100-220°C and steam amount between 50-160 g/minute depending on whether the fabric is classified as delicate or tough, optimizing performance for each fabric type.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of temperature setting is required for different textiles, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment of temperature dials is replaced with an automated optical detection and control system. The image sensor captures fabric characteristics, the control unit processes images to determine fabric type, and electronically controls the heating element and steam generation, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated sensor-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the image sensor continuously monitors fabric characteristics, the control unit processes this information to determine appropriate settings, and the system adjusts operating parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal parameters are maintained based on actual fabric conditions.
3Reliability
If care labels are used to determine temperature setting, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and loss of information occurs when labels are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The care label is replaced as an intermediary information source with an active image sensor and processing system. Instead of relying on static printed labels that can be lost or misread, the device uses optical sensors to actively detect and interpret fabric characteristics directly, providing a more reliable and accessible information source that doesn't require physical labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of fabric characteristics before ironing begins. The image sensor captures and analyzes fabric properties in advance, allowing the control unit to pre-set appropriate temperature and steam parameters before the ironing process starts, ensuring correct settings are established proactively rather than requiring reactive adjustments.
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 device ensures efficient and safe ironing by automatically adjusting temperature and steam levels based on fabric type, reducing the risk of damage and eliminating the need for manual setting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a heatable soleplate (4) intended to be in contact with a textile for treating the textile
Implementation Method 2
a steam engine (9) for generating steam to be supplied to the textile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable textile treatment device (1) comprising a heatable sole plate (4) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT) for treating the textile, an image sensor (5) for taking an image of the textile to be treated, and a control unit (8). The control unit (8) is configured for executing an algorithm stored in said portable textile treatment device, using the taken image as an input of said algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile. The control unit (8) is also configured for controlling, based on said classification, at least one operating parameter of the portable textile treatment device. The image sensor and the control unit are integrated within the portable textile treatment device.