Unique Container Marking for Post-Production Fault Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container production facilities face challenges in identifying and analyzing faults in containers post-production, as existing sensors only detect defective containers but not the underlying causes, and multiple markings weaken the containers and fail to provide unique identification.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that individually identifies and marks each container with unique tracking information, including station data and time-stamping, allowing for post-production analysis of faults and predictive maintenance by linking container data with production machine data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple markings are applied to containers to trace their path through the facility, then fault detection capability is improved, but container strength deteriorates due to increased marked zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking markings into a single integrated marking applied at one location on the container. This single marking contains multiple pieces of information (forming station, filling station, treatment stations, timestamps) that would otherwise require separate markings, thereby maintaining fault detection capability while preserving container strength by minimizing marked zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The single marking serves multiple functions: it identifies the forming station, filling station, treatment stations, and timestamps. This multi-functional marking replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate markings, achieving comprehensive traceability while minimizing the number of marked zones on the container.
2Reliability
If multiple identical markings are applied to containers passing through the same facility elements, then traceability is improved, but unique identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each marking unique to its specific container through inclusion of container-specific identifiers and station-specific information. While containers passing through the same stations receive similar types of markings, each marking contains unique elements (individual container ID, specific station assignments, precise timestamps) that distinguish it from all other containers, enabling both traceability and unique identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional information to the markings by including time-stamping data and station-specific identifiers. This transforms simple repetitive markings into multi-dimensional identification codes that capture not just which stations a container passed through, but when and in what sequence, creating unique identification across the production timeline.
3Measurement precision
If containers are tested after leaving the facility to analyze faults, then fault analysis thoroughness is improved, but connection to production data deteriorates when the link is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding complete production data (forming station, filling station, treatment stations, timestamps) into the marking before the container leaves the facility. This ensures that when the container is later tested offline, the production information is already permanently associated with the container, maintaining the link between production data and test results even after the container leaves the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a permanent copy of the production data by encoding it into the marking on the container itself. This copy travels with the container throughout its lifecycle, ensuring that production information remains accessible for offline analysis without requiring continuous connection to the production facility's monitoring system.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a production facility of a series of containers from a series of preforms made of plastic materials. The method includes a first step of producing a preliminary series of individual containers from a preliminary series of preforms made of plastic materials. For each individual container produced during a tracking period, the method records (i) a marking that distinguishes said container other containers produced during said tracking period, and (ii) data relative to the production facility, its operation, and/or the preform or container. The method also includes a second step during which one or more physical values of each of the individually identified containers are measured during the first step, and a third step of compiling a database that matches, for each individually identified container, the measurement(s) of the second step, and the series of data acquired during the first step.