Container Verticality Measurement Using Optical Point Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the verticality of containers, such as bottles, are inadequate as they often rely on assumptions about the container's symmetry and axis alignment, leading to inaccurate measurements and inability to assess deformations or non-circular sections, especially in high-speed industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

A method involving multiple sensors to measure points on the container's bottom and vertical wall during rotation, calculating the angle between segments to determine actual verticality, independent of handling conditions, using non-contact optical sensors for precise measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If freewheels are used to measure verticality during container rotation, then the system can measure bottom displacement, but the measurement becomes inaccurate when the container has body deformations causing it to rotate around a non-symmetry axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverticality measurement accuracyVSAvoidability to handle containers with deformations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the measurement task into multiple independent measurement points (at least three points on the bottom of the container) rather than relying on a single axis-based measurement. This segmentation allows the system to detect and compensate for rotational deviations caused by container deformations by analyzing the relative positions of multiple points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical freewheel-based measurement system with an optical measurement system. Optical sensors detect the positions of measurement points on the container bottom without physical contact, eliminating the problems of mechanical wear and the assumption that the container rotates perfectly around its symmetry axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If optical sensors are used to measure bottom displacement during rotation, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but the measurement assumes the container axis coincides with the rotation axis which is not true in practice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of mechanical wearVSAvoidverticality measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By measuring multiple points on the container bottom rather than assuming a single axis alignment, the system can detect rotational deviations. The relative positions of these points reveal whether the container is rotating around its true symmetry axis or a偏离 axis, allowing for compensation of measurement errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the measured positions of multiple points on the container bottom to calculate the actual rotation axis and orientation. This information feeds back into the verticality calculation to compensate for deviations from ideal rotation, improving measurement accuracy without requiring perfect mechanical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a rotating inspection station is used for high-speed inspection, then productivity increases, but the verticality measurement becomes unreliable due to constant variation of the rotation axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoidverticality measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system uses multiple measurement points on the container bottom to capture the complete orientation state during rotation. By analyzing the positions of these points throughout the rotation cycle, the system can calculate verticality independently of the rotation axis stability, enabling reliable measurements at high inspection speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention is designed to work dynamically during container rotation rather than requiring static positioning. The system captures measurements at multiple positions during the rotation and processes them to determine verticality, allowing high-speed inspection while maintaining measurement reliability through mathematical compensation of rotational variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate measurement of verticality across the container's periphery, accounting for deformations and non-circular sections, providing reliable results regardless of rotation axis alignment, and allowing for detection of verticality defects.

Implementation Method 1

using non-contact optical sensors for precise measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2691186B1Method and device for measuring the verticality of a container
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 TIAMA SOCIETE ANONYME
  • EP2691186B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2691186B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2691186B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for measuring the verticality of a container (2) having a base (3) from which a vertical wall (4) rises. According to the invention, the method involves: measuring, at each rotational position of the container (2), at least the position, along a first measurement axis (YA), of at least one first measuring point (PA) located on the base (3) and of a second measuring point (PB) located on the base diametrically opposite the first measuring point, and the position, along a third measurement axis (XC), of at least one third measuring point (PC) located on the vertical wall (4) spaced apart from the base (3); selecting an angle defined between a first segment passing through the first (PA) and second (PB) measurement points and a second segment intersecting the first segment and passing at least through the third measurement point (PC), such that the variation of said angle is representative of the verticality of the container (2); calculating, for each rotational position of the container (2), a quantity dependent on said angle; and measuring the verticality on the basis of the variations in the quantity dependent on said angle.