Method for ascertaining treatment parameters of a textile by means of structural information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining optimal textile treatment parameters rely on visual identification and markings, which can lead to incorrect treatment due to wear and tear or lack of markings, resulting in potential damage to textiles.

Innovation Solution

A non-destructive method using structural sensors to determine textile characteristics, such as material type, wear, and composition, to recommend tailored treatment parameters, including cleaning agents and temperatures, for optimal textile care.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If visual identification and markings are used to determine textile treatment parameters, then the method is simple and easy to implement, but the accuracy of textile structure identification deteriorates due to wear and tear or lack of markings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidaccuracy of textile structure identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual identification system (human eye, labels, codes) with an optical sensing system. The structural sensor detects physical and chemical properties of textile fibers through light interaction, substituting manual visual inspection with automated optical measurement that is not affected by wear or missing markings.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the textile and the detection system. Light interacts with the textile fibers, and the structural sensor detects the modified light to infer textile properties. This intermediary enables non-contact, non-destructive measurement that provides accurate structural information without relying on physical markings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If labels or codes are attached to textiles for identification, then textile structure information can be identified, but production costs increase and aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetextile structure identificationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from physical labels and codes, separating it from the textile itself. Instead of attaching external markers to the textile, the system uses optical sensors to detect intrinsic fiber properties directly, removing the need for additional labeling components and their associated production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The textile fibers themselves serve as the identification medium through their inherent physical and chemical properties. The optical structural sensor detects characteristics such as refractive index, absorption, and scattering that are intrinsic to the fiber material, allowing the textile to provide its own structural information without external assistance from labels or codes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If labels or codes are attached to textiles for identification, then textile structure information can be identified, but the aesthetic appearance of the textile deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetextile structure identificationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the visual markers (labels, codes, prints) from the textile surface that compromise aesthetics. By extracting the identification function and implementing it through non-contact optical sensing of fiber properties, the textile maintains its original appearance without external attachments or visible markings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light as a flexible, invisible probing mechanism that interacts with the textile without adding physical layers or coatings. The optical detection occurs through the transmission or reflection of light, leaving the textile surface unchanged and preserving its aesthetic qualities while still enabling structural identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional markings are used for textile identification, then treatment parameters can be determined, but the system cannot adapt to changing textile conditions such as wear and pilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to textile wearVSAvoidreliability of treatment parameter determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic detection system that continuously assesses the current state of textile fibers through optical measurement. Unlike static labels that provide fixed information, the structural sensor detects real-time fiber properties including changes from wear, pilling, or damage, allowing treatment recommendations to adapt dynamically to the textile's actual condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the optical structural sensor continuously monitors textile fiber properties and provides information that feeds into treatment parameter determination. This feedback mechanism ensures that treatment recommendations are based on the current actual state of the textile rather than initial manufacturer specifications, improving reliability for worn or damaged fabrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3485274B1Method for ascertaining treatment parameters of a textile by means of structural information
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3485274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention especially relates to a method, carried out by one or more devices, said method comprising: non-destructively determining structural information that is characteristic of at least part of the structure of a textile (202); ascertaining at least one treatment parameter of the textile (202) at least partly on the basis of said structural information; and outputting or initiating output of the at least one treatment parameter.