Container Inspection Device with Optical Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for containers, particularly glass containers, face limitations in speed, accuracy, and durability due to heavy mass, indeterminate stroke, and inability to determine the nature of dimensional defects, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A compact, high-speed inspection device with a movable assembly driven in alternating movement, equipped with independent external and internal gauges and optical beam detection systems, capable of determining dimensional conformity and defect types by measuring position and contact occurrences, and featuring a mechanism to transform linear motion into pivoting or rotational movements for precise contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy inspection head is used to ensure stability during inspection, then measurement reliability is improved, but inspection speed and acceleration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is divided into a stationary housing containing the measurement system and a separate movable inspection head. The measurement system remains fixed while only the inspection head moves, reducing the mass that needs to be accelerated while maintaining measurement stability through the stationary housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the stationary housing and the movable inspection head. The magnetic field transmits measurement forces and signals without requiring direct mechanical connection, allowing the inspection head to move freely while maintaining measurement reliability through the stationary housing.
2Measurement precision
If the inspection head is designed to contact the container for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of container and head damage increases due to indeterminate stroke
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors provide real-time feedback on the position and contact status between the inspection head and container. This feedback allows the control system to adjust the inspection head's movement dynamically, ensuring precise contact for measurement while preventing excessive force that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection head is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to adjust its position and contact force in real-time during inspection. The magnetic coupling system enables smooth, controlled movement that adapts to variations in container height and position, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing impact risks.
3Device complexity
If a simple gauge system is used for inspection, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine defect nature and origin is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection head is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple measurement tasks using the same basic structure. It includes both external gauge elements for ring diameter measurement and internal gauge elements for neck diameter measurement, allowing a single device to determine various defect types without requiring multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical measurement systems are replaced with optical sensing technology. Optical sensors detect container dimensions and defect characteristics without physical contact, providing detailed defect information while simplifying the mechanical structure of the inspection device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the inspection head moves in reciprocating motion to inspect multiple positions, then inspection coverage is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system maintains continuous measurement capability during the inspection head's movement. Optical sensors continuously monitor container dimensions as the inspection head moves through its stroke, eliminating the need to stop at each measurement position and significantly reducing total inspection time while maintaining full inspection coverage.
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 high-speed, precise inspection of container rings and necks, accurately identifying defects and ensuring dimensional conformity, while being resistant and compact, thus improving the manufacturing process efficiency and reducing damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission-reception system (70) of an optical beam (71) in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the moving crew (6) and along a segment of length at least equal to the maximum stroke of the moving crew (6)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an inspection device comprising: • - a movable element (6) moved relative to a frame (7) and provided with an external control gauge (14) and an internal control gauge (15), • - optical systems (35, 37) for detecting the contact occurring between the internal gauge (15) and the external gauge (14) and the container (2), Each optical detection system (35, 37) comprises: • - a system (70) for transmitting/receiving an optical beam (71) in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the movable element, • - a mechanism (72, 73) installed on the movable element (6), for transforming the displacement movement of the gauge (14, 15) relative to the movable element (6) into a movement that obstructs or ceases to obstruct the optical beam (71).