Linear Flexible Bag Inspection With Rotating Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual inspection methods for flexible bags containing liquids or viscous products are prone to human error and have low productivity, while existing automated systems are complex, require large footprints, and may mistake gas bubbles for defects.
Innovation Solution
A linear apparatus with a feeding system, gripping and lifting mechanisms, and multiple inspection stations that rotate bags to facilitate visual inspection and defect detection, optimizing productivity and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but productivity is low and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical inspection system. Cameras and lighting systems capture images of bags, while computer vision algorithms automatically detect defects, eliminating human error and increasing processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system enables bags to be automatically inspected without human intervention. The system self-regulates by capturing images, processing them through algorithms, and automatically rejecting defective bags, achieving both high productivity and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If carousel inspection systems are used, then defect detection capability is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal carousel layout to a vertical linear layout. Bags move through inspection zones in a vertical line, allowing multiple inspection points to be stacked vertically rather than spread horizontally, thereby reducing footprint while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is divided into multiple discrete inspection stations along the vertical line. Each station has its own cameras and lighting, allowing independent defect detection at different positions without requiring a large circular carousel structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If constant diameter carousel is used, then bag inspection consistency is maintained, but placement flexibility in plant layout is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linear conveyor system where inspection stations can be positioned at varying intervals and heights. This flexible configuration allows the system to adapt to different plant layouts while maintaining consistent inspection quality through standardized imaging protocols at each station.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus for inspecting flexible bags containing a liquid or viscous product comprising: - a line (2) for advancing the bags; - first means (31) for gripping a first bag, said first bag forming part of said bags; - first means (41) for lifting at least one part of the first gripping means (31); said first lifting means (41) allowing the inclination of the first gripping means (31) to be changed with respect to a fictitious horizontal plane; - first rotatable means (51) that places in rotation the first gripping means (31) on themselves around a first rotation axis (310) that is transverse to the line (2) for advancing the bags; - means (6) for detecting defects of the bags and/or their contents; said means (6) for detecting defects comprising first means (61) for visual inspection of the first bag and/or its contents; -means (7) for rejecting the bags according to information coming from the means (6) for detecting the defects. The apparatus 1 is a linear machine, not a carousel rotatable around its own rotation axis.