Transverse Boom Alignment for Straight Cloth Fore Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry handling techniques result in the fore edge of cloth curving downward due to its weight and water content, leading to an unprofessional appearance when ironed and folded, as the curvature is transferred from spreader clamps to a conveyor and then to a rotary ironer.
Innovation Solution
The method involves aligning the fore edge of the cloth by controlling the movement of spreader clamps and a transverse boom, which can be configured with shape-changeable support areas or divided sections, using sensors to detect the cloth's shape and adjust the alignment dynamically, ensuring the fore edge remains straight when delivered to the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spreader clamps are positioned in an extreme position to support the cloth, then the cloth can be held between the clamps, but the fore edge curves downwards due to the weight and water content of the clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse boom performs preliminary alignment action on the fore edge of the cloth before the cloth is transferred to the conveyor. By actively shaping the support area and positioning it at the correct location, the system pre-corrects the downward curve caused by gravity, ensuring the fore edge is straight before conveyance begins
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse boom acts as an intermediary device between the spreader clamps and the conveyor. It receives the cloth from the clamps, performs alignment through its shape-changeable support area, and then delivers the aligned cloth to the conveyor, thereby mediating the transfer process to prevent curve transfer
2Shape
If the transverse boom is made shape-changeable to align the fore edge, then the fore edge can be straightened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse boom incorporates dynamic elements that allow its support area to change shape during operation. This enables the boom to adapt its contour to match the desired fore edge alignment, transforming from a static support structure to a dynamically adjustable alignment tool
Solution Approach 2:
The support area of the transverse boom changes its geometric parameters (shape, position) to achieve proper fore edge alignment. By varying these parameters during the transfer process, the system can compensate for the downward curve without requiring completely redundant alignment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method and corresponding apparatus of transferring a piece of cloth (3) from a pair of spreader clamps (4,5) to a conveyor (1) via a transverse boom, where the piece of cloth is first suspended and straightened between the spreader clamps, then delivered to the transverse boom (8,9), and subsequently delivered from the transverse boom to the conveyor. Apart from that, a straightening of the fore edge of the piece of cloth is performed, seen in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor, after its delivery from the clamps to the transverse boom has been initiated, but before it is delivered to the conveyor.