Closure Tightness Check via Two-Point Position Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the tightness of container closures, such as those used for pharmaceutical or cosmetic products, are inadequate as they do not reliably account for various influencing factors like stopper fit and manufacturing tolerances, leading to potential decreases in closure quality and incorrect assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-point measurement approach, where a first test force is applied to compress the elastic sealing member, followed by a crimp biasing force to crimp the closure cap, and then a second test force is applied to assess the tightness by comparing end position values before and after crimping, using a comparison value determined from these measurements against a predefined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual check or RSF measurement is used to assess closure tightness, then the assessment process is simple, but the reliability of tightness assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (force application devices, displacement sensors) with a simplified optical measurement system. The optical sensor detects the position of the closure cap relative to the container without requiring mechanical contact or complex force application mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the measurement system and the closure. Instead of directly measuring mechanical forces or displacements, the system uses optical signals to detect positional changes, which serve as an indirect but more reliable indicator of closure tightness.
2Measurement precision
If traditional force curve profile measurement is used to check closure tightness, then comprehensive force data is obtained, but the measurement complexity and data processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for tightness assessment—the relative position of the closure cap—from the complex force curve profile. By focusing on this single critical parameter rather than analyzing entire force-displacement curves, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical force and displacement to optical position detection. This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement process while maintaining accuracy, as the optical position reading directly reflects the closure tightness state without requiring complex force application and measurement.
3Reliability
If multiple influencing factors (stopper fit, manufacturing tolerances) are considered in closure assessment, then assessment comprehensiveness improves, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement approach where the optical sensor system can assess multiple influencing factors (stopper fit, manufacturing tolerances, closure tightness) through a single measurement mechanism. The relative position measurement inherently captures all these factors without requiring separate measurement systems for each, thereby improving comprehensiveness while maintaining simplicity.
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 method provides a more comprehensive assessment of closure tightness by considering additional factors, resulting in improved measurement accuracy and reduced complexity compared to traditional methods that rely on entire force curve profiles.
Implementation Method 1
exerting a first test force on the elastic sealing member to effect compression of the elastic sealing member
Implementation Method 2
a position encoder (32) configured to provide a value representing a stroke position of the turntable (22)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for checking the tightness of a closure of a container, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic container, the closure comprising a closure cap for closing the container and an elastic sealing member arranged between the closure cap and a mouth edge of the container, comprising: a turntable movable relatively against the closure of the container for exerting a compressive force on the elastic sealing member to effect compression of the elastic sealing member, wherein the turntable is connected to an axially displaceable drive shaft of a drive unit, and wherein the turntable is configured to be set in rotation with the container coupled thereto; a crimping device for crimping the closure cap; a control unit for controlling the drive unit; and a position encoder for providing a value representing a stroke position of the turntable.