Container Marking Device Fault Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container marking systems in the food industry fail to effectively identify and allocate non-evident faults or faults associated with containers, often leading to unclear reasons for rejection, as they lack precise and readable markings that can be easily detected.
Innovation Solution
A marking device that receives and processes measured feature data from various sources, creating marking data to indicate specific criteria not met by containers, which is then physically applied using printers like laser, inkjet, or UV-ink printers, allowing for clear identification of faults such as contamination, label placement, and filling levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If containers with multiple different faults are led out to a common belt, then the inspection process can be simplified, but the ability to identify and allocate specific fault types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device segments the fault identification process by applying distinct markings for different fault types (e.g., underfilling, incorrect closure, contamination) to containers on the common belt. This allows the container handling system to maintain simplicity while recovering lost fault type information through differentiated visual markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking device uses different colors or color patterns to indicate different fault types. For example, red markings for critical faults, yellow for minor faults, or specific color codes for different fault categories. This enables easy visual differentiation and allocation of containers based on their specific fault types without complicating the overall inspection process.
2Loss of information
If physical markings are applied to containers to indicate faults, then fault allocation becomes clear, but the risk of damaging containers or poor adhesion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device changes the physical state or properties of the marking material to optimize adhesion and minimize damage. For example, using heat-transfer markings that transfer without penetrating the container wall, or using adhesives with adjusted viscosity and bonding characteristics suitable for the specific container material (glass, plastic, metal). This maintains clear fault allocation information while reducing harmful effects on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly marking the container surface, the system uses transfer markings or labels that are applied to the container and then transferred to a removable medium. This copying approach allows fault information to be conveyed without direct contact between the marking mechanism and the container surface, minimizing damage risk while maintaining information integrity.
3Measurement precision
If detailed marking data is created for each container fault, then fault identification precision improves, but the marking system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device extracts only the essential fault type information from the detailed measurement data and represents it through simplified markings. Instead of displaying all measurement parameters, the system identifies the critical fault characteristic (e.g., filling level deviation, closure position error) and applies a corresponding simplified marking. This maintains fault detection precision for allocation purposes while reducing the complexity of the marking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking system applies partial markings that contain only the necessary information for fault allocation, rather than providing complete detailed data. For example, using symbolic markings that indicate fault type and severity without including all measurement values. This approach achieves sufficient precision for the intended purpose while minimizing the complexity of data processing and marking generation.
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 clear and unambiguous marking of containers with faults, facilitating easy sorting and potential re-use of containers with minor issues while excluding those with significant damage, improving operational efficiency in container handling.
Implementation Method 1
printers like laser, inkjet, or UV-ink printers
Implementation Method 2
printers like laser, inkjet, or UV-ink printers
Implementation Method 3
UV-ink printers
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a marking device for marking containers, for example, in the food industry, with devices for receiving measured feature data of a container and/or one or more container configurations, where the measured feature data is determined by a measuring device, and where the measured feature data relates to at least one criterion of several criteria which the container and/or the one or more container configurations do not satisfy. Furthermore, the marking device includes devices for creating marking data based on the measured feature data, where the marking data can be created such that it is indicated which of the several criteria the container and/or the one or more container configurations do not satisfy, and devices for physically applying at least one marking on the container, where the at least one marking is based on the marking data. The disclosure further relates to a container handling device with the marking device and a method for marking containers using the marking device.