Adjustable X-ray Emitters for Bottom and Upper Zone Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive X-ray inspection machines for packaged products face challenges in detecting foreign bodies, particularly at the upper part of containers with large diameters relative to height, due to inadequate X-ray emitter configurations and complex, damaging conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of three adjustable X-ray emitters positioned top-to-down, down-to-top, and orthogonally, along with a conveying apparatus featuring three end-to-end conveyor belts, allows for comprehensive inspection of both the bottom and upper zones of products, ensuring effective detection of foreign bodies without damaging labels or altering the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two X-ray emitters are arranged above and below the transport plane at 90 degrees to the transport direction, then the mechanical manufacturing is simplified and product handling is easier, but foreign bodies near vertical walls cannot be detected due to overlapping projections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third X-ray emitter arranged orthogonally to the transport plane, adding a new dimension to the inspection system. This third perspective allows differentiation between foreign bodies and vertical wall projections by capturing images from a different spatial angle, thereby resolving the detection limitation while maintaining the simplicity of the original two-emitter configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is divided into three independent emitter-sensor units, each capturing images from different angles (top-to-down, down-to-top, and orthogonal). This segmentation allows each emitter to focus on specific detection zones, with the third emitter specifically addressing the limitation of detecting foreign bodies near vertical walls by providing a separate projection perspective
2Measurement precision
If X-ray emitters are positioned to inspect the bottom of containers, then foreign bodies at the bottom can be detected, but foreign bodies at the upper part of large-diameter containers remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the third X-ray emitter arranged orthogonally to the transport plane, the system gains the ability to inspect upper zones of containers. This emitter captures images from a side perspective, allowing detection of foreign bodies in the upper part of large-diameter containers that cannot be seen from top-to-down or down-to-top angles alone
Solution Approach 2:
The three-emitter configuration creates a universal inspection system that can handle various container sizes and shapes. The combination of top-to-down, down-to-top, and orthogonal emitters ensures comprehensive coverage for both small high containers and large-diameter containers, making the system adaptable to different product geometries
3Ease of operation
If straps are used to transfer products onto and from the inspection belt, then product handling is achieved, but the structure becomes mechanically complex and labels may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex strap mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simpler conveyor belt arrangement. Products are transferred onto and from the inspection belt using basic conveyor mechanics without requiring additional straps, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while eliminating the risk of label damage associated with strap pressure
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
This configuration enhances the detection of foreign bodies in both the bottom and upper zones of products, improving inspection quality and safety while maintaining a simpler, more versatile machine design that can handle various product sizes without damaging labels.
Implementation Method 1
two X-ray beam emitters or sources arranged at predetermined positions above and below the transport plane, respectively
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors that are arranged beyond the goods to be inspected and are configured for receiving the X-rays after passing through the products
Data Source
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AI summary
Non-destructive X-ray inspection machine for individually packaged products (11) having a bottom (11a) and a lid or cap (11b) in separate zones. The machine comprises a conveying apparatus having a transport plane (44) adapted to convey said products with the bottom (11a) resting on the transport plane, at least two X-ray emitters (21, 22) adapted to emit X-rays so that said X-rays pass through said products (11) at a top-to- down angle and at a down-to-top angle, respectively, in an inspection zone (16) comprised in said transport plane (44). In the machine, at least one of said two emitters (21, 22) is freely adjustable in height and/or orientable in angle, within a predetermined range, relative to the transport plane, whereby the bottom of the product is inspectable without the X-rays of said two emitters intercepting said lid or cap (11b) of said products and optimal projection of the bottom of the product can be obtained. The invention further relates to the method for operating the machine and to a conveying apparatus for conveying the individually packaged products.