Closure Element Force Detection for Broken Bottle Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting broken bottles in beverage bottling plants are inefficient, as they either require complex sound pulse detection systems or pressure monitoring during filling, which may not detect all fractures, and involve high manufacturing, maintenance, and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the longitudinal force acting on a container by detecting the control/current of an electric drive moving a closing element, allowing for early detection of defective structural integrity without additional components, using a control/regulating current to assess the force and compare it with predefined values or algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sound pulse detection is used to detect broken bottles, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex acoustic detection systems with a simple force measurement approach. By measuring the longitudinal force on the closure receptacle during the capping process, the system detects broken bottles without requiring complex sound pulse detection hardware. The force sensor integrated into the closing element provides reliable detection while maintaining device simplicity.
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring during filling is used to detect fractures, then detection capability may be improved, but manufacturing costs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function with the existing closing element, merging structure and function. The force sensor is integrated into the closure receptacle or closing element, eliminating the need for separate pressure monitoring systems during filling. This integration reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining detection capability throughout the capping process.
3Measurement precision
If additional detection components are added to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element serves dual purposes: it performs the capping function and simultaneously measures the force to detect broken bottles. The force sensor is built into the closing element itself, allowing the component to self-diagnose container integrity. This self-service approach improves measurement precision without adding separate detection components.
4Measurement precision
If force measurement in longitudinal direction is implemented using piezoelectric crystals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor in the closing element serves multiple functions: it measures longitudinal force to detect broken bottles, monitors capping process parameters, and can potentially detect other anomalies. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 reduces costs and enables early detection of broken bottles during filling, capping, or compression processes, simplifying flushing procedures and reducing the risk of container breakage, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive (3) that provides the displacement of the closing element (2) in the longitudinal direction (4)
Implementation Method 2
a measured variable pick-up in the form of a piezoelectric crystal is provided between a height-adjustable closing element and a fixed guide
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting the structural integrity of a container (8) to be sealed, preferably for detecting bottle breakage in a beverage bottling plant, comprising the steps of receiving a closure to be applied to a container (8) to be sealed in a closure receptacle (20) of a closure element (2), moving the closure element (2) in a longitudinal direction (4) to an initial height position (H0); and determining the force (FL) acting in the longitudinal direction (4) on the closure receptacle (20) in the initial height position (H0), wherein the force (FL) acting in the longitudinal direction (4) is determined by detecting a control current of an electric drive (3) that provides the displacement of the closure element (2) in the longitudinal direction (4); and a correspondingly designed device (1).