Dual Laser Closure Scan for Affixation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated systems often fail to ensure that closures are properly affixed to containers, leading to potential spills and issues during handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple lasers to measure distances on the top surface of closures as they move on a conveyor, analyzing these measurements to determine if the closure is correctly affixed using various analysis methods, and redirecting improperly affixed closures for separate handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated systems are used to monitor closures, then productivity is improved, but reliability of closure affixation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection with an automated optical measurement system using lasers to measure the top surface of closures. Multiple lasers capture distance measurements along different paths, creating a digital profile of the closure top surface that can be analyzed to verify proper affixation without mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the closure top surface through laser distance measurements. This digital profile is then analyzed against expected parameters to determine if the closure is properly affixed, allowing automated verification without physically handling or disturbing the closure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple lasers are used to measure closure surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent laser detection devices, each capturing distance measurements along specific paths on the closure top surface. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the closure surface while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual laser unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple lasers positioned at different locations to capture measurements along different paths, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the measurement process. This multi-dimensional approach improves measurement precision by capturing the closure top surface from multiple perspectives simultaneously.
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
Effectively identifies and separates closures that are not properly affixed, preventing spills and ensuring proper handling by using laser distance measurements and analysis to determine the status of closure affixation.
Implementation Method 1
multiple distance measuring devices, such as lasers that include laser detectors. The conveyer moves the containers in a first direction past the lasers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of measuring a top surface of a closure to determine if the closure is properly affixed to a container. Multiple paths of measurements may be collected and analyzed. In various analysis paradigms, measurements on a given path are separated into different sets, such as a leading set that generally includes the first third of measurements, a trailing set that includes the trailing set of measurements, and a middle set that includes the middle third of measurements. Several methods of analysis may be based on a presumption that a properly affixed closure is symmetrical or near symmetrical.