Container Inspection via Thermal Radiation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection methods fail to effectively detect small foreign bodies, such as broken glass splinters, within containers due to their similar material composition and size, which can lead to serious consequences if ingested by consumers.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing thermal imaging to detect foreign bodies by temperature-controlled outer walls and inspecting the inner container walls through the mouth, where the container is transported along a predetermined path with a temperature-controlled transport device, allowing for the differentiation of foreign bodies based on heat emission differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection methods are used to detect foreign bodies in containers, then the inspection process is simple, but small foreign bodies made of similar material cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inspection parameter from visual detection to thermal radiation detection. By measuring temperature differences and thermal emission patterns, the system can detect foreign bodies that are invisible to visual inspection, particularly small objects made of similar material as the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with a thermal imaging system. Instead of using cameras or human visual inspection, the system uses thermal radiation sensors to detect temperature variations caused by foreign bodies, achieving superior detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If containers are illuminated from below for inspection, then foreign bodies can be detected, but the transport process must be interrupted and space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the container itself serve as the illumination source by heating its outer wall. The heated container wall emits thermal radiation that allows inspection devices to detect foreign bodies on the inner wall without requiring external illumination devices or interrupting the transport process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the inspection approach from external illumination to internal thermal emission. By heating the container wall and inspecting from the inside through the mouth, the system eliminates the need for bottom illumination and maintains continuous transport.
3Measurement precision
If thermal imaging is used to detect foreign bodies, then detection accuracy improves, but the container wall must be temperature-controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transport device serve dual functions: transporting containers and heating their outer walls. This eliminates the need for separate temperature control equipment, as the existing transport infrastructure is utilized for thermal preparation of the containers.
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 efficient and space-saving detection of foreign bodies, reducing the need for interruptions in the inspection process and potential errors, while ensuring the safety of consumers by accurately identifying foreign objects, including small glass splinters and insects, without the necessity of illuminating from below.
Implementation Method 1
an area of the inner wall of the container through a mouth of the container inspected through during or after the temperature control of the outer wall by means of an inspection device. The inspection device detects thermal radiation emanating at least from the monitored area of the inner wall
Implementation Method 2
the container is transported by means of a transport device along a predetermined transport path and an outer wall of the container is at least partially temperature-controlled
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Method for inspecting beverage containers (10), wherein the container (10) is transported along a predefined transport path using a transport device (2) and the temperature of at least certain areas of an outer wall (10a) of the container (10) is controlled, and wherein an area of the inner wall (10b) of the container (10) is inspected through an orifice (10c) of the container using an inspection device (6) during or after the temperature control of the outer wall. According to the invention, the inspection device (6) detects thermal radiation coming at least from the observed area of the inner wall, and the presence of foreign bodies located between the observed area of the inner wall (10b) and the inspection device (6) is inferred on the basis of the detected thermal radiation.