Cannula Alignment Inspection Using Single-Image Electromagnetic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic inspection devices require analysis of multiple images to determine cannula alignment in a cannula shield attached to a syringe, which is inefficient and prone to errors, as they may not accurately assess angular displacement without proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic imager with an emitter and detector, coupled with an image analyzer that emits radiation, restricts the beam to create a single inspection window, and processes the image to count objects, producing a syringe rejection or acceptance signal based on the number of distinct objects in the image, allowing for alignment assessment in a single image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electromagnetic inspection devices use two radiation sources or rotate the syringe to obtain images from two different perspectives, then the cannula alignment can be determined, but the inspection process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring analysis of multiple images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple radiation sources or mechanical rotation mechanisms by using a single radiation source that captures alignment information in one static image. The beam restrictor extracts only the necessary portion of the radiation beam, allowing single-image analysis to determine cannula alignment without complex multi-perspective imaging systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a beam restrictor to create a defined inspection window that captures dimensional information about cannula alignment within a single two-dimensional image. By restricting the beam to a specific angular range (e.g., ±15 degrees), the system encodes alignment information that can be analyzed from one perspective, effectively using spatial dimensioning to capture what would otherwise require temporal or angular dimension expansion
2Measurement precision
If conventional electromagnetic inspection devices use two radiation sources spaced about the longitudinal axis, then angular displacement can be detected, but the device complexity and inspection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam restrictor is pre-positioned to define an inspection window that captures the full range of possible cannula angular displacements in a single image. This preliminary configuration of the radiation beam geometry eliminates the need for subsequent image acquisition from multiple angles, reducing inspection time while maintaining the ability to detect angular displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation beam is segmented by the beam restrictor to create a focused inspection window that isolates the region of interest. This segmentation allows the single image to contain sufficient information for alignment determination without requiring additional radiation sources or image captures, thereby reducing inspection time
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are analyzed to determine cannula alignment, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single radiation source with beam restrictor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the inspection geometry, captures alignment information, and provides sufficient data for accuracy determination all in one image. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized imaging operations, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining alignment accuracy
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 enables efficient and accurate cannula alignment inspection by analyzing a single image, reducing errors and improving manufacturing efficiency by determining proper alignment without requiring multiple image analyses.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic imager having an emitter and a detector. The imager is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe inspection device and method for determining the position of a cannula in a cannula shield attached to a syringe. An electromagnetic radiation emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a propagation axis. An electromagnetic radiation detector has an inspection window defined by a beam restrictor. A mount is configured to releasably retain the syringe between the emitter and the detector such that a longitudinal axis of the syringe is substantially coincident with the propagation axis. An image analyzer is operatively coupled to the detector. The image analyzer is configured to produce a syringe rejection signal when the cannula is irradiated and an electromagnetic image in the inspection window has two or less distinctly separate objects based on a contiguity of pixels having substantially like-valued intensity.