Electromagnetic Probe Leak Testing for Deformable Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak tightness testing devices for containers, such as PET bottles, face challenges with complex mechanical constructions and sensitivity to positioning tolerances, which affect measuring accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a sensor element on the probe to detect its movement profile over time, allowing for contactless detection via inductive coupling with a measuring coil, and a drive unit with electromagnetic coils for simplified mechanics, enabling high throughput and reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a compression spring and mechanical sensing unit are used to detect container pressure, then the measuring accuracy can be obtained, but the device complexity increases and positioning accuracy requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression spring sensing system with an electromagnetic probing system. The probe is accelerated electromagnetically toward the container, and its movement is detected by measuring the current required to maintain constant acceleration. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, compression springs, and precision mechanical positioning components while achieving accurate pressure measurement through electrical current measurements.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical infeeding movement is used to position the probe, then the probing function can be achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical infeeding and positioning mechanisms with an electromagnetic drive system. The probe is accelerated toward the container using electromagnetic forces, and its position and movement are controlled through electrical signals. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical feeders, guides, and positioning devices, reducing both device complexity and space requirements while maintaining effective probing functionality.
3Productivity
If high container throughput is achieved, then productivity increases, but positioning tolerances become more critical and measuring accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with an electromagnetic control system that can rapidly adjust probe acceleration and positioning. By controlling the electrical current to the probe, the system can achieve precise positioning and consistent measurement conditions even at high throughput speeds, eliminating the positioning tolerance issues that plague mechanical systems operating at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to electrical current. By measuring and controlling the current required to maintain constant probe acceleration, the system creates a measurement method that is insensitive to positioning variations. This parameter change allows high-speed operation while maintaining measurement accuracy, as the electrical current automatically compensates for any positioning variations.
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
This approach provides a reliable and efficient method for evaluating leak tightness with high informational content, reduced sensitivity to positioning tolerances, and the ability to operate with minimal mechanical components, ensuring accurate and rapid testing even with high container throughput.
Implementation Method 1
the piece of permanent magnet, which is solidly integrated in the probe, possibly together with a ferromagnetic core, is inductively coupled to a measuring coil of the measuring device
Implementation Method 2
the drive unit has at least one drive coil for an electromagnetic drive of the probe
Implementation Method 3
To realize an electromagnetic actuator, it is advantageous if the probe has a ferromagnetic core that enters a drive coil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for checking the leak tightness of deformable containers. The device comprises a probe that can be brought in contact with a container in a probing motion, a drive unit for the probe, and a measuring apparatus coupled to the drive unit and/or the probe for determining the container leak tightness by evaluating the probing motion. For said device, according to this disclosure, a sensor element adapted to detect motion of the sensor element is arranged on the probe, and that the measuring apparatus coupled to the sensor element is designed to record a time curve of the probing motion.