Coupling Device Lid Positioning Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The correct coupling of lids to containers in packaging lines is challenging due to high production speeds and the likelihood of incorrect positioning, leading to wasted resources and energy, as existing methods are unsuitable for high-speed operations and often result in inaccurate lid placement.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device equipped with a detection system that includes a first and second retaining member, a movement system, and an image detector to ensure precise positioning of the lid on the container before coupling, allowing for accurate detection and adjustment of the lid's position before the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high production speeds are maintained in packaging lines, then productivity increases, but the likelihood of incorrect lid positioning increases leading to resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the lid's position on the retaining member before the coupling operation occurs. The detection system captures images of the lid during its transfer and positioning phases, allowing the system to verify correct positioning in advance. This enables corrective actions to be taken before resources are wasted on incorrect couplings, thus maintaining high productivity while improving positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If conventional coupling methods are used without detection systems, then device complexity is reduced, but coupling accuracy deteriorates resulting in discarded capsules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning verification methods with an optical detection system using images. Instead of relying solely on mechanical guides and fixtures to ensure accurate lid positioning, the system uses image capture and analysis to detect whether the lid is correctly positioned on the retaining member. This substitution maintains relatively simple mechanical structures while dramatically improving coupling accuracy through non-contact optical measurement.
3Productivity
If lid positioning is not verified before coupling, then the packaging process speed is maintained, but energy is wasted on incorrect couplings that must be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detection system to monitor lid positioning and providing information about positioning accuracy back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system can determine whether to proceed with the coupling operation or reject the component. This feedback mechanism prevents energy waste by avoiding coupling operations on incorrectly positioned lids, thereby eliminating the need to discard and reprocess capsules while maintaining continuous high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for coupling a component to an article includes a first retaining member that retains the component, a second retaining member that retains the article, a movement system for moving the first retaining member and the second retaining member between a non-operating position where the component and the article are spaced apart from one another, and an operating position where the component and the article are in a coupling position, and a detection system for detecting the positioning of the component on the first retaining member. The detection system includes an image detector device for capturing at least one image of the component when the component is retained by the first retaining member, and a processing unit provided for analysing the image captured by the image detector device and verifying if the component is retained on the first retaining member in a predefined position.