Container Inspection via Vertical Positioning and Sequential Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting transparent or translucent containers for defects such as cracks, tears, or bubbles are complex and time-consuming, particularly when dealing with rapid succession of containers, and struggle to detect smaller cracks due to light penetration through glass interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves temporarily raising or lowering containers perpendicular to the conveying direction to allow sequential illumination by radiation sources on both sides, with reflected radiation recorded by sensor units, enabling continuous inspection without delaying the container flow and allowing detection of cracks without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are continuously conveyed through the inspection station without stopping, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because small cracks are difficult to detect due to light penetration through glass interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by raising and lowering containers perpendicular to the conveying direction. This allows radiation sources positioned on opposite sides to sequentially illuminate the container from different angles, creating optimal reflection conditions for crack detection while maintaining continuous horizontal conveyance. The vertical movement enables multi-angle inspection without stopping the conveyor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts container position by raising and lowering them during conveyance. This dynamic movement creates optimal inspection conditions at specific moments when containers are elevated, allowing sequential illumination from multiple radiation sources. The dynamic positioning enables precise crack detection while maintaining overall continuous production flow.
2Measurement precision
If containers are raised and lowered for inspection, then measurement precision is improved by enabling sequential illumination from both sides, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation sources are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide illumination for defect detection and simultaneously create reflection conditions for crack visualization. The same raising/lowering mechanism serves both to position containers for inspection and to control the timing of sequential illumination from opposite sides, reducing the need for separate complex systems.
3Measurement precision
If radiation sources are arranged on opposite sides of the container, then measurement precision is improved by enabling detection from all sides, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sequential activation of radiation sources on opposite sides, synchronized with the periodic raising and lowering of containers. This periodic action allows each radiation source to illuminate the container at optimal moments, creating comprehensive defect detection coverage while maintaining a relatively simple alternating pattern rather than requiring all sources to be active simultaneously.
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 simplifies and accelerates the detection of defects in containers, allowing for reliable evaluation of large container areas in rapid succession without stopping the conveyor, and effectively identifies cracks and other defects by ensuring optimal light reflection and absorption from all sides.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation reflected from the selected container area is detected by at least one sensor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves temporarily moving a container (2) perpendicular to a conveying direction (4) for accessing a selected container region for illumination with an electromagnetic radiation. The selected container region is sequentially irradiated by a radiation source i.e. LED, located on opposite sides of the container. The radiation is received by a receiving device with a sensor unit attached to a radiation source. The container is conveyed in the direction by a conveyor (3). The radiation is converted into inspection signals for evaluation of errors of the container. An independent claim is also included for an inspection station comprising a transport device.