Container Marking Position Correction via Statistical Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for labeling containers, such as bottles and cans, are complex and prone to systematic errors due to manufacturing tolerances and machine variations, leading to inefficient correction processes and increased rejects in mass production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transport device with rotatable container receptacles, a marking unit, and a sensor system that statistically evaluates the position of marking elements applied to multiple containers to correct positional errors, reducing unnecessary corrections and stabilizing the labeling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual correction process is carried out for each individual container, then manufacturing tolerances are corrected, but the method becomes very complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The correction process is segmented into two distinct levels: (1) individual container correction based on detected position deviations, and (2) systematic error correction applied to groups or all containers. This segmentation allows the system to handle both unique tolerances and recurring systematic errors efficiently without requiring complex individual correction for every container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of labeling position deviations during the normal labeling process, storing these data for subsequent evaluation. By collecting and analyzing this data in advance, the system can identify systematic errors and apply corrective measures before they affect production quality, rather than reacting to each deviation individually.
2Manufacturing precision
If systematic errors are repeatedly corrected for each container, then positioning accuracy improves, but unnecessary corrections occur and behavior becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where labeling position deviations are detected, stored, and evaluated to identify systematic errors. Correction measures are triggered only when systematic patterns are confirmed through evaluation, rather than applying corrections continuously. This feedback loop ensures stable and reliable correction behavior by distinguishing between random variations and systematic issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full correction measures to every container, the system applies corrections selectively based on the evaluation of systematic errors. Partial correction is applied only when and where systematic deviations are confirmed, avoiding unnecessary corrections that would destabilize the system while still maintaining adequate positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If statistical evaluation of actual values is performed, then unnecessary corrections are reduced, but measurement and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing labeling machine's own measurement capabilities to detect positioning deviations, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices. The detected data is automatically stored and evaluated by the control system, which self-corrects by adjusting labeling parameters based on the statistical analysis of accumulated data, making the system self-regulating.
4Manufacturing precision
If detection and correction is performed for each container, then individual tolerances are addressed, but production efficiency decreases in mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs statistical evaluation and systematic error correction periodically rather than continuously for each container. By accumulating data over a period and applying corrections at intervals when systematic patterns are confirmed, the system maintains high production speed while still ensuring quality through periodic optimization of labeling parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device and a method for marking containers (1) with at least one marking element, wherein the position of a marking element applied to the respective container is detected as an actual value by means of a sensor unit (10; 50), wherein the detected actual values of the position of the marking element for a plurality of containers are statistically evaluated by means of a control and/or regulation system (22) and a correction of the application of the marking element with respect to the position of the marking element is made on the basis of the statistical evaluation.