Bottom-View Container Inspection for Low-Fill Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection methods for liquid biologic products in containers with low fill volumes are hindered by the meniscus, which obscures a significant portion of the fluid, making it difficult to visually inspect for particles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A line-of-sight redirection device, such as a mirror or beam splitter, is positioned below the container to direct the view upward through the bottom wall, combined with a housing that includes filters and a light source, allowing for inspection via a bottom perspective, and can be mounted to an inspection booth for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional horizontal inspection methods are used, then inspection simplicity is maintained, but inspection reliability deteriorates due to meniscus obstruction in low fill volume containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal inspection to vertical inspection by positioning a mirror below the container at a 45-degree angle, redirecting the line of sight from horizontal to vertical direction. This dimensional change allows the inspector to view through the bottom wall of the container, bypassing the meniscus obstruction that blocks horizontal views in low fill volume containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary device positioned below the container to redirect the line of sight. The mirror serves as a mediator that enables the inspector to indirectly view the liquid product through the bottom wall, overcoming the direct line-of-sight blockage caused by the meniscus without requiring complex automated systems.
2Reliability
If vertical inspection through bottom wall is implemented, then meniscus obstruction is overcome, but device complexity increases due to additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs an inspection assembly that can serve multiple functions: the mirror provides both line-of-sight redirection and structural support, the housing protects multiple components (mirror, filters, light source) while maintaining a compact form, and the assembly can be used with both formal inspection booths and informal inspection settings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple inspection components (mirror, housing, filters, light source) into a single integrated assembly that can be mounted to inspection booths or used portably. By merging these components into one unit, the patent reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate components, while still providing comprehensive inspection capabilities through the vertical viewing path.
3Productivity
If low fill volume containers are used, then product efficiency is improved, but inspection capability deteriorates due to disproportionally large blind volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables inspection of low fill volume containers by changing the inspection dimension from horizontal to vertical. By viewing through the bottom wall in the vertical direction, the entire liquid volume becomes visible despite the small fill volume, as the vertical path bypasses the meniscus that creates blind spots in horizontal viewing. This allows reliable particle detection in containers optimized for product efficiency.
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
Enables reliable visual inspection of containers with low fill volumes by overcoming the meniscus obstruction, ensuring comprehensive detection of particles, and facilitating efficient use in both formal and informal inspection settings.
Implementation Method 1
a line-of-sight redirection device, such as a mirror or beam splitter, is positioned below the container to direct the view upward through the bottom wall
Implementation Method 2
filtering a line-of-sight through the beam splitter with one or more polarizers
Implementation Method 3
illuminating the container through the beam splitter with an illumination source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Assemblies (10), devices, and methods are described herein that allow an examiner to inspect a container (12) of liquid product (14) through a bottom wall (18) of the container using a line-of-sight diversion member (28, e.g. beam splitter, mirror or prism). In some forms, the assemblies described herein can be provided with mounts and connecting arms to couple the devices to inspection booths.