Multi-Wavelength Can Interior Imaging for Lacquer Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for monitoring the application of lacquer on beverage cans fail to detect uneven coatings, leading to potential chemical reactions, leaks, and contamination, which can cause damage to other cans and attract pests.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths of light, such as ultraviolet and visible light, to illuminate and image the interior of cans, allowing for the determination of a uniform surface appearance and detection of voids or contaminants, with cameras capturing images to analyze optical characteristics against predetermined standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current imaging systems are used to monitor lacquer application, then the presence of lacquer can be detected, but uneven coatings and voids cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing multiple wavelengths of light (visible and ultraviolet) to illuminate the can interior. Different wavelengths interact with the lacquer coating differently, allowing the detection system to identify variations in coating thickness and uniformity that single-wavelength systems cannot detect. This enables precise measurement of manufacturing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light of specific wavelengths as an intermediary between the lacquer coating and the detection system. By using visible and ultraviolet light as mediators, the system can indirectly assess the coating's uniformity and detect voids through the light's interaction with the lacquer material, overcoming the limitations of direct visual inspection.
2Productivity
If lacquer is not applied uniformly to the entire inner surface, then the can may be produced faster, but chemical reactions and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by conducting quality inspection of the lacquer coating before the can proceeds to filling and sealing operations. The multi-wavelength imaging system detects coating deficiencies early in the production process, allowing defective cans to be identified and removed before they can cause chemical reactions or leaks during storage or distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by comparing the captured images of the can interior against predetermined quality standards. When the coating uniformity falls outside acceptable parameters, the system generates signals to reject the can, creating a closed-loop quality control mechanism that ensures only properly coated cans proceed to the next production stage.
3Device complexity
If single-wavelength light sources are used for imaging, then the system is simpler, but voids in lacquer cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the imaging function into multiple wavelength channels. Instead of using a single complex light source, the system uses separate visible and ultraviolet light sources, each optimized for detecting specific coating characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
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 method ensures that each can is properly coated, preventing chemical reactions and leaks, maintaining can integrity and preventing pest attraction by automatically rejecting defective cans from the production line.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light within a wavelength range that includes visible light and ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a condition of an interior of a can may include illuminating an interior of one can of a plurality of cans on a production line using at least one light source. The method may include imaging the interior of the one can while the interior is illuminated by the at least one light source. The method may include determining whether a state of the interior of the one can matches a predetermined state based on an image of the interior of the can.