Container Inspection Fieldbus for Real-Time Sensor-Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for containers, particularly beverage containers, face challenges in achieving real-time communication and cost-effective data processing and transmission, especially when dealing with complex data streams and multiple sensor/actuator devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transport path equipped with a sensor device for non-contact detection and an actuator device for removal, both connected via a real-time fieldbus for deterministic data communication, allowing for fast and efficient processing and transmission of complex data through a one-cable solution using Ethernet-based protocols like Profinet-RT/IRT or EtherCAT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If real-time communication is implemented using traditional Ethernet or fieldbus systems, then data transmission speed improves, but system complexity and cabling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and data communication functions into a single cable connection using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. This merging eliminates the need for separate power cables and simplifies the cabling infrastructure while maintaining real-time communication capabilities for sensor devices in container inspection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power delivery and high-speed data transmission. This multi-functionality allows sensor devices to receive both power and real-time communication signals through a single universal connection, reducing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple sensor and actuator devices are connected via traditional fieldbus systems, then data coverage improves, but real-time capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional fieldbus communication protocols with Ethernet-based protocols (such as PROFINET or EtherCAT) that are natively designed for real-time performance. This substitution enables deterministic communication with guaranteed response times while supporting a large number of sensor and actuator devices connected via PoE infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If complex sensor data is transmitted using single-cable connections, then cabling simplicity improves, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces edge computing devices or gateways that act as intermediaries between sensor devices and central control systems. These intermediaries perform preliminary data processing, filtering, and validation, reducing the data processing load on central systems while maintaining full utilization of the high-bandwidth PoE connection for transmitting complex sensor data.
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 real-time data communication with high determinism and efficient processing of complex sensor data, facilitating fast decision-making and action on container inspection results, while maintaining a cost-effective and simple cabling design.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device is suitable and intended for detecting said value contactlessly and/or optically
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Device (1) for treating and in particular inspecting containers (10), and in particular beverage containers, comprising a transport device (2) suitable for transporting the containers (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), a first sensor device (2) suitable and intended for detecting at least one value characteristic of the transported containers (10), a first actuator device (4) arranged along the transport path (P) downstream of the first sensor device (2) and suitable for acting on a transported container (10), and a control device (6) spaced apart from the sensor device (2) and the actuator device (4), which is suitable and intended for controlling the first actuator device (4) taking into account at least one signal output by the first sensor device (2) depending on the characteristic value.characterized in that the first sensor device (2) and the first actuator device (4) are in communication connection with the control device (6) via a cable connection (14) using a real-time capable fieldbus (12) and the first sensor device (2) is suitable for outputting measurement data in real time and the communication between the first sensor device (2) and the control device (6) and/or the control device (6) and the first actuator device (4) takes place in real time.