3D Optical Inspection for Container Closure Tightness
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closure inspection methods are inefficient and complex, requiring multiple viewing directions, cameras, and time-consuming evaluations, especially for varying container and closure types, and are not suitable for all materials.
Innovation Solution
An optical 3D measuring method that captures the container and its closure with high resolution, allowing for precise evaluation of 3D data without contact, enabling reliable closure inspection across various types using adaptable software parameterization, and includes stereoscopic and light section 3D measurement techniques for accurate and efficient data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and viewing directions are used to capture seal and container images, then measurement precision and reliability of closure inspection is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single camera system that performs multiple functions: capturing seal images, container neck images, and closure images from various angles through strategic placement and timing. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized cameras while maintaining comprehensive inspection capabilities across different container and closure types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple inspection functions into a single integrated camera system. By using one camera to capture multiple views (seal from above, neck from side, closure from various angles) at different time points during container transport, the system merges what would traditionally require separate camera systems, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic pulse vibration method is used to detect crown cap fit, then measurement precision for metal closures is improved, but adaptability to different closure materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic pulse vibration (which only works for metal) with optical imaging and image processing. The camera-based system captures visual information about closure fit, seal position, and container neck geometry, then uses software algorithms to evaluate closure correctness. This substitution enables inspection of all closure materials (metal, plastic, composite) while maintaining detection accuracy through advanced image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic response (material-specific) to optical geometric parameters (material-independent). By measuring visual characteristics such as seal logo position, container neck dimensions, and closure geometry through imaging, the system adapts to different closure materials without requiring material-specific detection methods, thereby improving versatility while maintaining precision through multi-parameter image analysis.
3Measurement precision
If curvature measurement with optical distance sensor is used to infer internal pressure, then measurement precision for pressure is improved, but inspection time is delayed until after pasteurization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs closure inspection immediately after filling and sealing, before pasteurization. The camera system captures images of the closure and container neck right after the capping station, allowing evaluation of seal correctness and closure fit at the earliest possible moment. This preliminary inspection eliminates the time delay inherent in waiting for pasteurization to establish internal pressure, enabling earlier detection of defective closures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical distance sensing (which requires internal pressure to measure curvature) with direct visual imaging of the closure and container neck. By capturing images immediately after sealing and using image processing to evaluate closure geometry, seal position, and neck dimensions, the system eliminates the need to wait for pressure buildup during pasteurization, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining measurement precision through visual geometric analysis.
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 reliable and efficient closure inspection of a wide range of container and closure types with simplified hardware, reducing the need for multiple cameras and views, and allowing for real-time detection of leaks and correct seating without extensive equipment or complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
the container, along with its closure, is captured at least partially using an optical 3D measurement method; The optical 3D measuring method can be configured to detect an end face and/or at least a partial edge of the closure
Implementation Method 2
The optical 3D measuring method can be configured to detect an end face and/or at least a partial edge of the closure; container, along with its closure, is captured at least partially using an optical 3D measurement method from one or more viewing directions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an inspection method (100) for the closure control of containers, in particular bottles, wherein the closed containers are transported (101) by means of a transport apparatus and closures applied to the containers are inspected (102 - 108) with regard to tightness and/or correct seating by an inspection device, characterized in that, by means of an optical 3-D measurement method, the inspection device at least partially senses (102) a container together with the closure of the container and generates (103) 3-D data thereof, in particular 3-D points, 3-D line elements, and/or 3-D surface elements, and that the 3-D data are processed (104 - 107) by means of an evaluation apparatus and the tightness and/or the correct seating of the closure is thereby inferred (108).