Curved Surface Inspection Tool for Cigarette Quality Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tools for measuring non-conformities on curved surfaces, such as cigarettes, are impractical and inaccurate due to their rigid planar design, leading to subjective judgments and measurement inaccuracies when assessing parameters like size and color on curved surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a curved surface and scales extending along the direction of curvature, allowing direct and precise measurement of non-conformities on curved surfaces, featuring a size scale and color scale for assessing quantitative and qualitative parameters without the need for relative movement between the tool and object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a rigid planar ruler is used to measure non-conformities on a curved surface, then the measurement can be performed with a simple tool, but the measurement becomes inaccurate and requires awkward relative rotation between the tool and object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool structureVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming the measuring tool with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the object being measured. The scale is arranged along the curved surface of the tool, allowing direct contact and measurement without rotation. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the tool's geometry to the object's geometry, eliminating measurement inaccuracies while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If a rigid planar ruler is used on a curved surface, then the tool structure remains simple, but the operation becomes awkward and impractical due to required relative rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool structureVSAvoidmeasurement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curved surface of the tool is designed to conform to the curved surface of the object, eliminating the need for relative rotation during measurement. The scale is positioned along the curved surface, allowing the operator to directly measure non-conformities without awkward maneuvers, thus improving ease of operation while keeping the tool structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If conventional measurement tools are used on curved surfaces, then the measurement process can be completed, but subjective judgment is unavoidable and accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective visual estimation with an objective mechanical measurement system. The curved tool with integrated scale provides direct, quantifiable measurements of non-conformity size and position, eliminating subjective judgment. This resolves the contradiction by introducing a simple mechanical measurement apparatus that delivers precise, objective results without complex electronic or optical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7617611B2Tool for identifying non-conformities

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 PHILIP MORRIS USA INC

AI summary

A tool for identifying a non-conformity on a curved surface of an object, in particular on the circumferential surface of a cigarette, comprises a curved surface having a scale along a direction of curvature and a viewing portion associated with the scale through which, in use, at least part of the curved surface of the object is visible.