Inspection Group for Elongated Elements Using Single Light Stripe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inspection methods for elongated elements in the tobacco industry, such as continuous rods, are costly and imprecise due to the need for multiple optical assemblies and high processing times, leading to inaccuracies in diameter measurement and shape analysis, especially at high production speeds.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system using a single optical scanning assembly with two projectors projecting stripes of light from opposite sides to acquire three-dimensional light traces, which are then processed to reconstruct the shape and diameter of the rod, allowing for precise detection of defects like ovalness and reducing the overall dimensions and cost of the inspection setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical assemblies are used for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical assemblies into a single integrated optical assembly that performs both diameter measurement and shape analysis functions. The single assembly includes a light source, optical axis aligned with the rod axis, and detection means positioned to receive light after interaction with the rod, integrating capabilities that previously required separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical assembly is designed to perform multiple inspection functions simultaneously: diameter measurement through light intensity detection and shape analysis through position detection of light traces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical assemblies are used for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly continuously emits light along the rod axis and detects light traces in real-time as the rod passes through, enabling continuous measurement without interruption. This allows simultaneous diameter measurement and shape analysis during rod production, eliminating sequential processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary light tracing and position detection during the rod's passage, capturing shape information in advance. The detection means records light trace positions continuously, allowing rapid processing and reconstruction of rod geometry without time-consuming post-processing.
3Device complexity
If a single optical scanning assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional light intensity measurements to three-dimensional light trace position detection. By detecting the positional coordinates of light traces in space and reconstructing the rod's cross-sectional shape from these 3D position data, the system achieves high measurement precision with a single optical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical field-based measurement. Light traces serve as measurement probes, and their position detection through optical means substitutes for physical contact or multiple mechanical sensors, maintaining precision while reducing device complexity.
4Productivity
If high-speed production is maintained, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system uses periodic light emission and detection cycles synchronized with rod production speed. The light source emits light in periodic intervals, and the detection means captures light traces at regular intervals, ensuring consistent measurement precision even at high production speeds through rhythmic, controlled measurement cycles.
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
The system achieves high precision and accuracy in shape analysis and diameter measurement with reduced space and cost, enabling efficient quality control of elongated elements during high-speed production.
Implementation Method 1
a projecting device to project from a first half-space a first stripe of light onto an external face of the elongated element to obtain a first three-dimensional light trace on said external face
Implementation Method 2
an electronic sensor is arranged, for example an alignment or array of photosensitive elements of linear or two-dimensional matrix type... and appropriate optical receiving means that is fixed to the body, for example an objective consisting of one or more lenses, by means of which the sensor is suitable for receiving the light diffused from the object to be acquired
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An inspection group (1) is proposed tor inspecting cylinder-shaped elongated elements for smoking articles, in which a working plane (P) is selected passing through a longitudinal axis (S) of a first elongated element (2) and there are considered a first half space (3) and a second half space (4) arranged on opposite parts with respect to the working plane (P). The inspecting group (1 ) comprises: a projecting device adapted to project a first stripe of light (5) from the first half space (3) onto an inspection portion (6) of an external surface (8) of the first elongated element (2) and to obtain a first three-dimensional light trace (7), and also adapted to project a second stripe of light (9) from the second half space (4) onto the inspection portion (6) to obtain a second three-dimensional light trace (10); an optical assembly adapted to frame the first elongated element (2) and to process a first view and a second view; a processing device (1 1) adapted to reconstruct a first closed curved section profile (12) of the first elongated element (2) processing an identified first curved light line (7') in the first view and a second identified curved light line (10') in the second view and comparing the first reconstructed closed curved profile (12) with an ideal section profile to identify possible deformations of the reconstructed first closed curved profile (12) with respect to the ideal section profile. The projecting device comprises a single projector (28) of a single stripe of light (29); a shield (30), arranged between the single projector (28) and the first elongated element (2), adapted to split the single stripe of light (29) into a first part of a stripe of light (29a) and into a second part of a stripe of light (29b); first deflectors (31) of the first part of a stripe of light (29a) arranged in the first half space (3) and second deflectors (32) of the second part of the stripe of light (29b) arranged in the second half space (4) to obtain respectively the first stripe of light (5) projected from the first half space (3) and the second stripe of light (9) projected from the second half space (4) by a single stripe of light (29).