Container Inspection Using Internal Scattering Agent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection methods face challenges with large space requirements and inefficiencies due to light refraction at curved surfaces, necessitating extensive equipment and multiple inspection units, and struggle with shadowing issues during base inspections, particularly behind recessed grips.
Innovation Solution
A method using a scattering agent inside containers or preforms, which is irradiated to create a virtual diffuse light source, allowing for compact inspection units and even illumination of all wall areas, including those obstructed by design features, using a gaseous form like vapor, mist, or smoke, which can be introduced quickly and hygienically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If directed bright field irradiation is used from outside the container, then the illumination source can be positioned outside the image area, but light refraction at curved surfaces causes shadowing and dark zones that prevent reliable inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scattering agent as an intermediary substance inside the container that mediates between the external light source and the container walls. The agent scatters light uniformly throughout the container interior, eliminating direct line-of-sight requirements and shadowing effects while allowing the illumination source to remain outside the image area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the illumination medium from direct external lighting to scattered internal illumination. By transforming the light propagation path and introducing a scattering medium, the system achieves uniform illumination without requiring the light source to be positioned inside the container or directly in front of the inspection area.
2Reliability
If multiple inspection units are arranged one behind the other to map containers to their full extent, then complete inspection coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single inspection unit universal by enabling it to inspect all container surfaces through the scattering agent technique. The scattered light allows cameras positioned at various angles to capture images of all container walls, base, and mouth simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized inspection units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of light scattering throughout the container volume, transforming the illumination from a two-dimensional surface phenomenon to a three-dimensional volumetric effect. This allows single-point inspection to achieve multi-point coverage by scattering light in all directions within the container interior.
3Reliability
If containers are rotated about their main axis between inspection units, then all surfaces can be inspected, but additional mechanical effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering agent enables the inspection system to serve itself by allowing fixed cameras to capture all container surfaces without requiring mechanical rotation. The scattered light distributes illumination uniformly across all container walls, making rotation unnecessary for achieving complete surface coverage.
4Reliability
If floodlights and cameras are arranged across the direction of transport opposite one another, then side wall inspection is possible, but the inspection units become bulky and require extensive space
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering agent acts as an intermediary that enables compact camera positioning. By scattering light throughout the container volume, the system allows cameras to be positioned close to the container path without requiring large separation distances between opposing floodlights and cameras, thus reducing the overall inspection unit footprint.
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 approach enables compact and efficient inspection units that can illuminate all container areas without shadows, reducing the need for multiple inspection positions and allowing for continuous inspection in a product stream, while also providing a sterilizing effect suitable for aseptic filling.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the scattering agent in such a way that the scattering agent forms a bright field behind a wall region of the container or preform to be imaged
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method and a device for inspecting containers and/or preforms are described. A scattering material is provided in the interior of the containers or preforms and is irradiated in such manner that the scattering material forms a brightfield behind the container or preform wall area to be imaged. In this way, the wall area can easily be illuminated and imaged from different directions, so that inspection units can be created with a high degree of design freedom and with smaller dimensions.