Automatic Seam Detection Machine for Can Body Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for measuring and cutting can seams are labor-intensive, slow, and prone to injury, limiting the automation and efficiency of batch detection processes.

Innovation Solution

An automatic seam detection machine with a conveying device and seam detection device that allows for the simultaneous handling and automatic feeding of multiple sample cans, featuring a feed valve, conveying turntable, gripping device, and cutting mechanism to facilitate batch detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cutting and measurement method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into independent functional modules: conveying module with turntable and feeding holes, detection module with camera and lighting, cutting module with cutting blade, and control module. Each module performs a specific function and can work independently, enabling automated batch detection while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying turntable serves multiple functions: it holds multiple sample cans simultaneously, rotates to position cans for detection, and coordinates with the feeding device to automatically load cans. This multi-functional component replaces multiple separate devices, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If automatic seam cutting measuring machine is used, then labor intensity is reduced, but automation degree is limited due to single-can detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding automationVSAvoidconveying mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sample cans are pre-loaded into the feeding holes of the conveying turntable before detection begins. The feeding device pre-positions cans in the conveying paths. This preliminary preparation enables continuous automatic detection without manual intervention between samples, achieving batch processing automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying turntable acts as an intermediary between manual can loading and automated detection. It receives cans from the feeding device, holds them in sequence, and delivers them to the detection station, bridging the gap between human operation and machine automation while enabling batch processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual cutting is performed, then device complexity is low, but safety risk increases due to injury potential

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation safetyVSAvoidcutting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting blade automatically cuts the seam of each can as it passes through the detection position, without requiring manual operation. The system self-regulates the cutting process through automated positioning and actuation, eliminating direct human contact with the cutting tool and ensuring operational safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical cutting action is replaced with an automated cutting mechanism driven by the control system. The cutting blade is actuated automatically to cut cans at the detection position, replacing dangerous manual cutting operations with a controlled mechanical system that improves safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If batch detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but automation degree is reduced requiring operator intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch detection capabilityVSAvoidoperator intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying turntable continuously rotates, bringing multiple pre-loaded cans into the detection position in sequence. The feeding device continuously supplies cans to the conveying holes, and the detection system continuously captures images. This continuous operation enables batch detection without stopping for manual can loading, maintaining high automation throughout the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3208009B1Machine for automatically detecting the quality of the seam of a can body

Publication Date: 2019.01.30 ZHAOQING CANNEED INSTR LTD

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AI summary

An automatic seam detection machine is disclosed herein, comprising a conveying device (92) and a seam detection device (1-6). The conveying device (92) includes a feeding station, provided with a feed valve. When a sample can is conveyed to the feeding station, the feed valve (931) opens and the sample can (7) arrives at the detecting station of the seam detection device (1-6) through the feed valve (931). Since more sample cans (7) can be placed in the conveying device (92), operators can place batches of sample cans (7) in the conveying device (92) in one time; and the sample cans (7) can be automatically conveyed to the feeding station by the conveying device (92), then conveyed to the seam detection device (1-6) for detection automatically by opening the feed valve (931). Compared with the prior art, this invention can achieve automatic feeding, so as to facilitate the batch detection, with high degree of automation.