Textile Separating Apparatus With Loop Conveyor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for separating and inspecting textile items from a pile are labor-intensive, operator-dependent, and time-consuming, requiring multiple operators and repetitive motions, which limits production efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A textile separating apparatus with a transport mechanism and pick members that automatically separate and carry individual textile items from a pile to a receiving area for inspection and packaging, incorporating an adjustable advancement mechanism, photoelectric eye for counting, and an automated bagging system to streamline the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual selection and separation of textile items is used, then accuracy of inspection and counting is maintained, but production rate is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction rateVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical selection and separation operations with an automated transport mechanism that uses a looped conveyor system. The mechanism substitutes human hands and eyes with automated pick members that mechanically grasp and transport individual textile items along a closed loop path, eliminating the need for manual repetitive motions while maintaining separation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport mechanism is designed to automatically service itself through a self-regulating looped system. The mechanism continuously cycles through the textile pile, automatically selecting and transporting items without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves its own function of separation and transport autonomously, replacing the need for multiple operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If multiple operators are employed for separation and inspection, then labor coverage is improved, but overall efficiency and coordination complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple operators into a single automated transport mechanism. The looped conveyor system consolidates separation, transport, and inspection functions into one integrated apparatus. Instead of coordinating multiple people's actions, the system combines all operations into a unified automated cycle that processes textiles continuously without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates textiles from the pile, transports them along the looped path, and delivers them to the receiving area. The single mechanism performs what previously required multiple specialized operators, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining high processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual repetitive motions are used for separation, then flexibility in handling different textile types is maintained, but operator fatigue increases and production consistency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction consistencyVSAvoidoperator physical demand

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual repetitive gripping and handling motions with a mechanical pick member system. The automated mechanism uses standardized mechanical interfaces to grasp and transport textiles, eliminating the physical strain and repetitive motion injuries associated with manual operations. This substitution maintains consistent handling across all textile items regardless of type or size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The looped transport mechanism enables continuous operation without interruption. Unlike manual processes that require breaks and rest periods, the automated system continuously cycles through the textile pile, separates items, and transports them along the looped path without pause. This continuous action eliminates operator fatigue and maintains consistent production reliability throughout extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 apparatus significantly reduces labor and time required for separation and inspection, increasing production efficiency by enabling automated processing and packaging of textile items, allowing for higher throughput and improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

photoelectric eye for counting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7641040B2Textile separating apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.01.05 AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYST INC

AI summary

A textile separating apparatus may include a textile collection area for supporting the pile of textile items, and a transport mechanism having an inclined face intersecting the pile of textile items. One or more pick members may project from the face of the transport mechanism, and may successively separate and carry individual textile items from the pile of textile items towards a textile receiving area.