Robotic laundry sorting devices, systems, and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry processing technologies, including home washers and dryers, laundromats, and industrial services, require human intervention, leading to inefficiencies, contamination risks, and privacy breaches, and are not suitable for processing mixed loads of household laundry.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous sorting device with a channel, arms, sensors, and a controller that automatically sorts deformable articles by grasping, rotating, and releasing them into designated bins based on characteristics, eliminating human contact and optimizing the sorting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If human operators manually sort and process laundry, then flexibility in handling mixed loads is maintained, but contamination risks and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated robotic system featuring computer vision sensors, multi-axis robotic arms with adaptive grippers, and automated decision-making algorithms. This substitution eliminates human contact with laundry items, preventing contamination while maintaining the ability to handle mixed loads through intelligent image recognition and classification
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic platform independently performs sorting decisions, navigates the sorting environment, adjusts gripper forces, and categorizes laundry items without human intervention. The integrated sensor suite and control algorithms allow the system to autonomously handle the complete sorting process from detection to placement
2Productivity
If traditional laundromat services are used, then laundry processing capability is provided, but time consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic sorting system operates continuously without interruption, processing laundry items as they are introduced into the system. The automated platform maintains constant sorting operations across multiple categories simultaneously, eliminating the sequential processing delays inherent in manual sorting and traditional laundromat services
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification and sorting decisions in advance using computer vision analysis before physical manipulation occurs. This pre-processing of sorting logic accelerates the overall process by preparing sorting pathways ahead of time, reducing actual handling time
3Adaptability or versatility
If industrial laundry services process large volumes, then economies of scale are achieved, but adaptability to individual household needs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic sorting platform is designed with universal capabilities to handle diverse laundry types, sizes, and materials through adaptive grippers and machine learning algorithms. The system can be configured for different sorting criteria (color, fabric type, soil level, garment type) and scales from small household loads to larger volumes, providing both customization and volume处理能力
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its sorting parameters, gripper forces, and processing speed based on the specific characteristics of each laundry load. The robotic platform adjusts its operation in real-time to optimize for both the volume of items and the specific sorting requirements, bridging the gap between fixed industrial processes and customized household needs
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for autonomously batching a plurality of separated laundry articles into sorted loads for washing and drying are described. For example, each one of a plurality of collection bins is configured to receive a sorted load of separated articles including at least one common one of one or more washing and drying characteristics. A plurality of conveyors are configured to receive thereon the bins and position one bin into a loading position adjacent to an exit orifice of a sorting surface. At least one sensor disposed at least one of on, adjacent to, and within the surface is configured to detect the washing and drying characteristics. A controller in operable communication with a drive of the plurality of conveyors and the at least one sensor is configured to instruct the conveyors to move the bins to batch each separated laundry article into a bin matching the washing and drying characteristics.