Rotatable Robotic Retrieval System for Garment Personalization Kiosks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personalization of garments through embroidery and direct-to-garment printing is labor-intensive, costly, and requires large spaces, making it unsuitable for on-demand small volume orders due to the need for skilled labor and high-volume machinery.
Innovation Solution
A kiosk system that includes a housing with an article retrieval and personalization system, featuring a shelving system, motion system, direct-to-garment printing, curing, and transfer systems, along with a control system to automate the personalization process, allowing for on-demand customization of articles in a compact, portable format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional embroidery and direct-to-garment printing machines are used for personalization, then personalization capability is achieved, but labor intensity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple personalization functions (DTG printing, embroidery, heat press, curing) into a single integrated kiosk system. The housing contains all system components in one location, eliminating the need for separate machines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full personalization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The kiosk system is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, heat pressing, and curing operations. This universal approach allows the system to handle various personalization tasks through a single automated interface, reducing labor requirements while providing comprehensive personalization options.
2Productivity
If high-volume personalization machinery is deployed, then production capacity increases, but space requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system components are arranged in a nested configuration within the housing, with the shelving system, motion system, transfer system, and personalization components efficiently stacked and positioned to maximize space utilization. This nested arrangement enables high-volume processing capability within a compact footprint suitable for small retail spaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If skilled operators are used to operate personalization machines, then personalization quality is maintained, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kiosk system is designed with automated article retrieval from the shelving system, automatic transfer between processing stations, and self-contained operation. The control system manages all personalization processes automatically, eliminating the need for skilled operators while maintaining consistent quality through programmed precision and automated control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand personalization is implemented, then customer satisfaction and reduced waste are achieved, but equipment portability and setup flexibility are required
Solution Approach 1:
The kiosk system is designed as a portable, movable unit that can be relocated to different retail locations or events. The housing contains all necessary components in a self-contained configuration, allowing the system to be transported and deployed flexibly while maintaining full on-demand personalization capability at each location.
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, automated, and portable personalization of articles, reducing labor and space requirements, facilitating on-demand small volume orders while increasing user satisfaction through simulated design previews and reduced material waste.
Implementation Method 1
The support member is configured to rotate about an axis
Implementation Method 2
The retrieval member is configured to move on the first track
Implementation Method 3
a direct-to-garment (DTG) printing system
Implementation Method 4
a curing system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide for systems and methods related to kiosks for personalizing a packaged article. The kiosks may also be used for storage, inventory management, retrieval, packaging, and/or personalization of packaged articles. The kiosks discussed herein differ from non-kiosk personalization systems, such as personalization systems installed on a factory or warehouse floor, in that the kiosks are self-contained personalization systems. In some embodiments, the kiosks are portable and can be moved between different sites or events. This portability allows the kiosks to personalize packaged articles for concerts, festivals, conventions, trade shows, and the like.