Container Closure Sealing Inspection via Multi-Angle Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting the sealing function of containers with closures are not 100% reliable, especially for inline inspection, due to difficulties in detecting closure angle rotation and container markings, which leads to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in quality control, and requires manual offline checks, resulting in time delays and increased maintenance needs.
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 accurate and flexible adaptation to different closure and container types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If markings are applied to the closure and container to detect sealing function, then the sealing inspection can be performed, but the markings become visually conspicuous to consumers and the support ring must protrude beyond the closure diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical marking detection system with an image processing system that analyzes the geometric relationship between the closure and container mouthpiece. Multiple image recording devices capture images from different angles, and image evaluation devices process these images to determine the relative position and sealing state without requiring any visible markings on the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the marking elements themselves. Instead of relying on markings to provide detection information, the system extracts geometric and positional information from the closure-container assembly structure, eliminating the need for consumer-facing markings while maintaining inspection capability.
2Measurement precision
If the support ring diameter is increased to allow marking detection from above, then the marking can be detected, but plastics material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional top-down marking detection to three-dimensional multi-angle image capture. By recording images from multiple angles and processing them to extract spatial relationships, the system achieves accurate sealing inspection without requiring the support ring to protrude, thus maintaining minimal plastics material usage.
3Measurement precision
If manual offline checks are performed to verify closure angle rotation, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but production time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and inspection methods with an automated image recording and evaluation system. Multiple cameras capture images of the closure-container assembly, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the closure angle and sealing state, eliminating the need for manual offline checks while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous inline inspection by integrating multiple image recording devices into the production line. The system continuously captures and processes images of passing containers, allowing real-time sealing function verification without interrupting production flow, thus maintaining both accuracy and high productivity.
4Reliability
If multiple image recording devices are used to capture spatially resolved images, then the sealing function can be accurately inspected in real-time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into specialized functional modules: multiple image recording devices for capturing images from different angles, image evaluation devices for processing images and determining sealing state, and coordinate system transformation modules for integrating data. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high-reliability inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for inspecting sealing between a closure arranged on a mouth region of a container by performing a screwing-on operation on a mouth region of the container while the container is transported along a transport path, and during transport illuminating the containers by a lighting device and recording at least one spatially resolved image of the container. An image evaluation device determines, on the basis of the relative position depicted in the at least one spatially resolved image, at least one closure rotation angle by which the closure was rotated in the course of the performed screwing—in operation, a characteristic closure rotation angle variable.