Textile Item Orientation on Ironing Blocks Using Reference Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic devices for orienting textile items on ironing blocks are slow and unable to efficiently orient multiple references, such as toe seams and patterns, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing processes and dependence on human intervention.

Innovation Solution

An automatic device with detection elements and orientation means, including rollers and handling elements, that determine the initial position of textile item references and rotate them to a pre-established operating position, allowing for accurate orientation of multiple references and integration into manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual orientation by operator is used, then orientation accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases and human intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing effectivenessVSAvoidhuman intervention dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The textile item automatically identifies and orients itself using detection elements that sense references (toe seam, patterns) and rotation means that automatically rotate the item to the correct position, eliminating the need for human operators to manually orient each item

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation with an automated system combining detection elements (sensors) and rotation means (motors), substituting human sensory and manual manipulation functions with mechanical and electronic systems

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

2Extent of automation

If existing automatic orientation devices are used, then automation is achieved, but orientation speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic loadingVSAvoidorientation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The detection elements continuously scan and identify reference positions on the textile item before the actual ironing operation begins, allowing the rotation means to pre-position the item correctly, thereby speeding up the overall process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by having detection elements constantly monitoring for references and rotation means continuously adjusting positions, eliminating idle time and ensuring uninterrupted processing flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Extent of automation

If existing automatic orientation devices are used, then automation is achieved, but ability to orient multiple references is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic orientationVSAvoidmultiple reference orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means are designed to detect multiple types of references (toe seam, patterns, notches) on the textile item, while the rotation means can orient the item to satisfy multiple orientation requirements simultaneously, making the system versatile for different ironing needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7748332B2Automatic device and method for orienting textile items on blocks
Publication Date: 2010.07.06 SANTONI SPA
  • US7748332B2 patent drawing
  • US7748332B2 patent drawing
  • US7748332B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic device (1) for orienting tubular textile items (3) on blocks (2), comprising a block (2) for receiving the textile item (3) having a reference (4) with respect to which the item (3) is to be oriented for reaching a pre-established operating position with respect to the block (2), orientation means (9) for shifting the item (3) on the block (2) for bringing it in the pre-established operating position, a detection element (13) for determining the initial position of the reference (4) when the textile item (3) is loaded onto the block (2), with respect to the pre-established operating position, and processing means connected to the detection element (13) and acting upon the orientation means (9) for orienting the textile item (3) and bringing it in the pre-established operating position.