Non-destructive Gas Measurement in Flexible Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive measurement techniques for gas concentration in flexible containers are not suitable for dynamic use at high advancement speeds typical of food filling and packaging lines, as they require stopping the line and mechanical deformation to achieve accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive measurement unit that generates a geometrically defined head space using motorized belts to compress and advance flexible containers, allowing for gas concentration measurement while the containers are moving, without the need to stop the line or slow down production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical deformation means are used to create a predefined head space geometry, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement process cannot be performed at high advancement speeds and requires stopping the production line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the containment channel movable rather than static. The containment channel is moved along the container at high speed to dynamically define the measurement path, allowing the system to maintain a geometrically defined head space while moving with the container at production line speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static mechanical deformation system with an optical measurement system that moves dynamically. Instead of using fixed mechanical means to create a predefined head space, the system uses a moving containment channel that defines the measurement path optically, allowing measurements to be taken at high speeds without stopping the production line
2Reliability
If static mechanical deformation is applied to achieve predefined dimensions, then measurement reliability is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for dynamic moving use and requires stopping the container
Solution Approach 1:
The containment channel is designed to move dynamically along the container at high advancement speeds while maintaining a consistent geometric definition of the head space. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve measurement reliability without requiring static mechanical deformation or stopping the container, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The containment channel acts as an intermediary between the moving container and the optical measurement system. It dynamically defines the measurement path and maintains the geometric relationship needed for reliable measurements, while allowing the container to move freely at high speeds without interruption
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
Enables repeatable and reliable gas concentration measurements in flexible containers moving at high speeds, ensuring all containers can be tested without reducing production speeds, and allows for monitoring of multiple gases using tunable light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (11) for emitting a light beam (21) at a wavelength tunable to an absorption wavelength of a gas subjected to measurement present inside a container (30)
Data Source
Figure 1a~12
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a non-destructive measurement unit of the gas concentration in sealed containers, as well as to an automatic filling and/or packaging line using such a unit. In particular, the present invention relates to a non-destructive measurement unit of the gas concentration in flexible containers at least partially made of optically transparent material, comprising at least one light source (11) for emitting a light beam at a wavelength tunable with an absorption wavelength of a gas contained in the sealed flexible container (30, 30'), the at least one light source (11) being positioned in such a way as to direct the light beam towards at least one inspection area (20); at least one detector (12) positioned in such a way as to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the light source (11) once passed through the inspection area (20) and output data representative of an absorption spectrum of said gas resulting from the passage of the light beam through the inspection zone (20); means (50, 50') for generating a head space (32) of predefined width into the sealed flexible container (30, 30') and is characterized in that said means (50, 50') for generating a head space (32) are adapted to advance the sealed flexible container (30, 30') by an advancement path (A) which crosses the inspection zone (20), the means (50, 50') for generating a head space (32) being further adapted to maintain the predefined width of the head space (32) during the advancement of the sealed flexible container (30, 30') along the entire advancement path (A).