Chocolate Packaging Underside Scanning for High-Speed Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting packaging defects in chocolate products are inefficient and unsuitable for high-speed production lines due to the fragility of chocolate and the need to inspect the underside of the packaging, which traditional systems fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that scans the underside of packaged chocolate products using cameras, lifts them with vacuum conveyors to avoid inversion, and separates correctly and incorrectly packaged products, utilizing AI for defect detection and automatic ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional camera systems are installed between conveyors to check packaging, then defect detection is possible, but the process speed decreases and conveyor length becomes unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent scans the underside of packaged chocolate products, which is a different dimension or orientation compared to traditional top-side scanning. This allows defect detection without requiring product inversion or additional conveyor space, maintaining high production speed while achieving comprehensive packaging inspection
2Measurement precision
If products are manually handled for inspection, then defect detection is possible, but chocolate products may break due to their fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated optical scanning system that inspects the underside of packaged products while they remain on the conveyor. This eliminates the need for workers to physically handle and turn each product, reducing breakage risk while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system creates an optical copy or image of the packaging underside for defect analysis, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of the actual chocolate product. This allows thorough inspection without mechanical contact that could cause breakage
3Measurement precision
If multiple production runs are used to inspect all products, then comprehensive defect detection is possible, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning of the packaging underside during normal production flow, eliminating the need for separate inspection runs. The system operates continuously as products move along the conveyor, ensuring comprehensive defect detection while maintaining uninterrupted production 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
Ensures consistent quality control by preventing improperly packaged chocolates from reaching consumers, enhancing production efficiency, and enabling rapid response to defects with minimal product handling, thus protecting brand reputation and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The packaged chocolate products are lifted with vacuum conveyors to avoid inversion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for detecting defects in the packaging of chocolate products. The method includes steps such as manufacturing and demolding the chocolate products, packaging, scanning the underside using a camera, and separating correctly and incorrectly packaged products. The device consists of a plurality of conveyors, a distance sensor, a speed controller, a camera, a lifting device, and an ejection device. The scanning ensures consistent quality control and prevents packaging defects.