In-line Container Closure Inspection via Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting container closures in beverage manufacturing are often offline, inaccurate, and do not effectively monitor the geometric dimensions of closures during production, leading to potential issues such as air contamination or damage during opening.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for in-line inspection of container closures using at least two image recording devices to capture spatially resolved images of containers and their closures, with an evaluation device determining measured values characteristic of the closure dimensions, such as diameter, and allowing for real-time monitoring and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline manual inspection using gauges is performed, then measurement can be conducted, but inspection accuracy is insufficient and does not monitor all production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement using gauges with an optical measurement system. Image recording devices capture images of closures, and evaluation devices process these images to determine closure dimensions and detect errors automatically, eliminating the inaccuracies and limitations of manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the closures instead of direct physical measurement. By recording images of the closures and analyzing these copies through evaluation devices, the system can measure closure dimensions and detect errors without contacting the actual closures, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability.
2Productivity
If pattern comparison method is used for inspection, then inspection can be performed, but measured diameter values are not assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pattern comparison with optical imaging and digital analysis. Image recording devices capture the actual geometry of closures, and evaluation devices process these images to extract precise diameter measurements, enabling both high throughput and accurate dimensional assessment.
3Reliability
If in-line inspection is implemented, then real-time monitoring of production is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into separate functional modules: image recording devices for capturing closure images, evaluation devices for processing images and measuring dimensions, and discharge devices for removing defective containers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve real-time inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device performs multiple functions including image processing, dimension measurement, and error detection using the same optical infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive real-time inspection.
4Manufacturing precision
If closures are inspected offline before production, then quality can be checked, but not all production is monitored and errors are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs inspection actions continuously during the production process rather than after production is complete. By positioning image recording devices in the production stream and capturing images of closures as they pass through, the system conducts preliminary quality checks at the point of manufacture, enabling real-time detection and correction of errors.
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
Enables accurate, real-time in-line inspection of container closures during production, ensuring proper closure dimensions and preventing issues like air contamination or damage, thereby enhancing product quality and shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
an inspection device arranged downstream from the closure apparatus in a transport direction inspects the containers provided with the closures
Implementation Method 2
the inspection device has at least two image recording devices, each of which records at least one spatially resolved image of at least some containers and preferably of each container and/or the container closure arranged on the container
Data Source
AI summary
A closure apparatus has at least two closure units, which each attach container closures to containers. An inspection device arranged downstream from the closure apparatus in a transport direction for inspecting the containers provided with the closures has at least two image recording devices, which each record at least one spatially resolved image of each container and an evaluation device which evaluates the recorded images and determines at least one measured value from the images, wherein this measured value is characteristic of the container closures arranged on the containers.