Transverse Boom Cloth Transfer Method for Fore Edge Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry handling techniques fail to maintain the fore edge of moist cloths straight during transfer from spreader clamps to a conveyor, resulting in a curved appearance that persists after ironing, leading to unprofessional-looking folded laundry.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transverse boom with a control unit that adjusts the movement and shape of support areas to align the fore edge before transfer to the conveyor, using sensors and actuators to dynamically compensate for the weight and water content of the cloths, ensuring a straight edge.
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 during transfer, but the fore edge curves downwards due to the weight and water content of the moist clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse boom performs preliminary alignment action on the fore edge of the cloth during the transfer process, before the cloth is fully deposited on the conveyor. The boom moves in the direction of conveyance while supporting the cloth, proactively straightening the fore edge rather than attempting to correct it after curvature has formed
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse boom is made movable in the direction of conveyance, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during the transfer process. This dynamic capability enables the boom to maintain optimal support position while simultaneously performing alignment, adapting to the moving cloth and conveyor system
2Shape
If the transverse boom is moved in the direction of conveyance during delivery, then the fore edge alignment is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the shape and position of the cloth fore edge during transfer, providing feedback to the control unit. The control unit processes this information and adjusts the transverse boom's movement and the alignment profile's shape in real-time to achieve optimal straightening, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to variations in cloth properties
3Shape
If the alignment profile shape is changed dynamically to compensate for cloth variations, then the fore edge straightening effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment profile on the transverse boom is designed to be shape-changeable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its configuration during the transfer process. This dynamic shape change enables the profile to compensate for variations in cloth weight, water content, and elasticity, providing effective straightening for different types of laundry items
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse boom is divided into multiple sections that can be independently controlled and adjusted. This segmentation allows different portions of the boom to perform different functions - some sections provide support while others perform alignment - and enables more flexible and precise control of the overall alignment process
Data Source
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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.