Container Closure Angle Detection via Marking Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting the sealing function of container closures are not 100% reliable, particularly in inline processes, due to difficulties in detecting closure angle rotation and container markings, which leads to inefficiencies and increased costs, and requires manual offline checks, resulting in time delays and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use multiple image recording devices to capture spatially resolved images of containers and closures, determining the relative position of the closure to the container without relying on markings, allowing for real-time evaluation of the sealing function through image processing and machine learning models, enabling precise and flexible adaptation to different closure and container types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markings are applied to container support ring or neck area to enable detection of closure angle, then measurement capability is improved, but the support ring must protrude significantly beyond the closure making the container design more complex and material-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the marking location from the container structure and transfers it to the closure itself. The closure includes a marking that is detectable by the detection device, eliminating the need for markings on the container support ring or neck area. This resolves the contradiction by removing the requirement for protruding support rings while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection device as an intermediary that can detect the closure marking without requiring direct visual access to the container marking. The detection device captures images of the closure marking and processes them to determine closure angle, serving as a mediator between the closure and the measurement system.
2Ease of manufacture
If markings are made visually inconspicuous on closure and container to satisfy consumer preferences, then aesthetic quality is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the marking on the closure specifically detectable to the detection device while maintaining overall aesthetic appearance. The marking is designed to be visually inconspicuous for consumers but provides sufficient contrast and detectability for the imaging system to reliably determine closure angle.
3Reliability
If 100% inline inspection is implemented to ensure sealing function, then quality control is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous inline inspection during the closure application process. The detection device continuously captures images of the closure marking as the closure is applied to the container, enabling real-time verification of sealing function without interrupting production. This maintains both high reliability through 100% inspection and productivity through continuous processing.
4Measurement precision
If manual offline inspection is used to check closure sealing function, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time delay and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical detection system. The detection device uses imaging to capture and process images of the closure marking, automatically determining closure angle and sealing function. This substitution eliminates time delay while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated image processing.
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 approach provides highly accurate and reliable closure process inspection, reduces the need for manual checks, minimizes resource usage, and allows for continuous inline quality measurement, improving production efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spatially resolved image of the container to be inspected that is provided with the closure is recorded
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for inspecting containers provided with closures for checking a sealing function between the closure and a container provided therewith in order to check the sealing function, the at least one spatially resolved image is recorded by the at least one image recording device in such a way that, viewed in the closure direction, a relative position of the closure with respect to the container provided therewith is depicted, and an image evaluation device determines, on the basis of the relative position depicted in the at least one spatially resolved image, at least one sealing variable that is characteristic of performing the sealing function.