Compact Container Inspection Device Merging Control Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container inspection systems are inefficient due to the large space requirements of multiple control stations and frequent stopping or slowing of container flow, which reduces throughput speed.

Innovation Solution

A compact container treatment system with a structural unit combining at least three control modules for inspecting tamper-evident elements, filling quantities, logo positions, and label positions, allowing for simultaneous inspection by multiple modules at a single position, reducing installation space and maintaining high throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual inspection stations are used to check various container features, then comprehensive inspection capability is improved, but the device occupies large space and requires frequent stopping of container flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control modules (closure inspection, fill level detection, label position detection, code position detection) into a single integrated inspection device. These modules share common components including illumination units, cameras, and image processing units, allowing comprehensive inspection of multiple container features within one compact device rather than requiring separate inspection stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device is designed with multi-functional control modules that can perform various inspection tasks. The device includes adjustable illumination units that can be configured for different inspection needs, and image processing units that can analyze multiple features (closure, fill level, labels, codes) using the same hardware platform, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive container inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual inspection stations are deployed, then various container features can be checked, but container throughput speed is reduced due to repeated stopping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidcontainer throughput speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control modules (closure inspection, fill level detection, label position detection, code position detection) into a single integrated inspection device. These modules share common components including illumination units, cameras, and image processing units, allowing comprehensive inspection of multiple container features within one compact device rather than requiring separate inspection stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device enables continuous container flow without repeated stopping. The device captures images and performs analysis for multiple features simultaneously or in rapid sequence as containers pass through the inspection position, maintaining continuous productive action rather than interrupting flow at multiple separate stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple control modules are combined into a single unit, then device compactness is improved, but complexity of integrating multiple functions is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice spaceVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device is divided into distinct control modules, each responsible for specific inspection functions (closure, fill level, label, code). Each module can be independently configured and maintained, reducing the complexity of integration while achieving compactness. The modular architecture allows flexible arrangement of functions within the compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device is designed with multi-functional control modules that can perform various inspection tasks. The device includes adjustable illumination units that can be configured for different inspection needs, and image processing units that can analyze multiple features (closure, fill level, labels, codes) using the same hardware platform, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive container inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3110701B2Container inspection device

Publication Date: 2024.08.28 KHS GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a container handling system having an inspection device (1) for checking containers (11), in particular drink containers, and a container transport device (2) for moving the containers into an inspection position (P) of the inspection device (1). In order to provide a container handling system having a particularly compact inspection device designed to check a plurality of container features, provision is made for the inspection device to have at least two control modules from the following group which are combined to form a structural unit : • - control module for checking a tamperproof securing element on a container closure, • - control module for determining a filling quantity of the container, • - control module for detecting the position of a closure logo on the container closure, • - control module for determining the position of a code on the container and/or • - control module for detecting the position of a container label.