Textile processing device and textile processing method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current textile processing devices lack the ability to adapt to varying textile properties such as thickness, size, and weight, leading to inefficient smoothing, disinfection, and deodorization, as they do not provide a controlled and defined atmosphere tailored to specific textile materials.

Innovation Solution

A textile processing device with a processing chamber, a steam supply unit providing water vapor with predetermined steam properties, a detection unit for monitoring steam parameters, and a control unit to adjust steam properties in real-time, allowing for customized processing based on detected parameters, including the use of plasma-activated water vapor and hot air for enhanced disinfection and deodorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If steam properties are fixed and predetermined, then the device structure is simple, but the processing effectiveness for different textile properties (thickness, size, weight) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing effectiveness for different textilesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steam supply unit is designed to dynamically adjust steam properties (temperature, pressure, flow rate) based on real-time detection of textile characteristics and steam parameters. The system transitions from static predetermined steam properties to dynamic adaptive steam properties, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective processing for different textiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control system is implemented where steam parameters are detected by sensors and fed back to the control unit, which adjusts the steam supply unit accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt steam properties to different textile requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If steam parameters are not monitored, then the device is simpler, but the processing precision and control over textile treatment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoiddetection and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Steam parameter detection units continuously monitor temperature, pressure, and flow rate, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. This enables precise control of steam treatment processes while managing device complexity through integrated control systems that automatically process detection data and adjust parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual monitoring and adjustment of steam parameters is replaced with automated detection units and control systems. Sensors and electronic controllers substitute for manual mechanical adjustments, achieving higher processing precision while the automation manages the complexity of the detection and control infrastructure.

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

3Reliability

If steam supply is continuous and high intensity, then disinfection and deodorization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The steam supply intensity is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of textile properties and steam parameters. The system applies high-intensity steam treatment only when and where needed for effective disinfection and deodorization, rather than continuous high-intensity supply, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability of the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Steam parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) are changed and optimized based on detected conditions. The system adjusts these parameters to achieve effective disinfection and deodorization at minimum energy consumption, avoiding unnecessary high-intensity steam supply when lower parameters suffice for the given textile and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables gentle and individualized processing of textiles, ensuring effective smoothing, disinfection, and deodorization by automatically adjusting steam and hot air properties according to the textile's specific requirements, resulting in improved cleaning results and precise drying.

Implementation Method 1

The textile is exposed to steam in the processing chamber... Steam treatment can, in particular, smooth the textile while simultaneously disinfecting and deodorizing it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteam treatment: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The steam can be generated, for example, by heating water stored in a reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal effect: Heating

Implementation Method 3

A steam detection unit is provided, which is configured to detect a steam parameter of the water vapor supplied to the processing chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParameter detection:

Implementation Method 4

A steam control unit is provided, which is configured to change a steam property of the water vapor supplied to the processing chamber in response to the detected steam parameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal control: Heating

Implementation Method 5

including the use of plasma-activated water vapor and hot air for enhanced disinfection and deodorization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma activation: Plasma

Implementation Method 6

hot air for enhanced disinfection and deodorization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot air drying: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4196631B1Textile processing device and textile processing method
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 VEIT GMBH & CO
  • EP4196631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4196631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4196631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a textile processing device (1), comprising a processing chamber, a textile provision unit which is designed to provide a textile to the processing chamber (50), a vapor provision unit (21) which is designed to provide water vapor having a predefined vapor property to the processing chamber (50), a vapor detection unit which is designed to detect a vapor parameter of the water vapor provided to the processing chamber, and a vapor control unit which is designed to change a vapor property of the water vapor provided to the processing chamber (50) in response to the detected vapor parameter.