Capsule Closure Force Sensor for Defective Capsule Detection

The patent replaces complex mechanical inspection systems with a force sensor that directly measures closing force to detect defective capsules. The force sensor substitutes for elaborate mechanical detection mechanisms, using force measurement instead of complex mechanical interactions to identify capsule defects.

The force sensor acts as an intermediary between the capsule closing process and the detection system. Rather than directly observing capsule integrity, the system uses the force sensor as a mediator to infer capsule quality through force measurements during the closing operation.

The patent adds the path length dimension to the force measurement analysis. Instead of merely measuring force magnitude, the system analyzes force as a function of path length, creating a two-dimensional analysis that significantly improves fault detection precision without requiring complex additional hardware.

The evaluating unit is pre-programmed with knowledge of typical force-progressions for proper capsule closing. By having this reference information prepared in advance, the system can quickly compare actual measurements against expected patterns, improving detection precision without adding real-time computational complexity.

The system implements a feedback loop where force sensor measurements are continuously monitored, defective capsules are automatically identified, and the ejection mechanism is triggered in response. This closed-loop feedback system maintains productivity by automatically removing defects without requiring complex manual intervention systems.

The capsule filling and closing system performs self-inspection and self-correction by automatically detecting and ejecting defective capsules. The system serves itself by using its own force measurement capabilities to identify and remove defects, eliminating the need for separate complex inspection and removal systems.