Hermetic Seal Detection Using Laser Deformation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for spoilable, degradable, or perishable products like coffee fail to ensure a consistent hermetic seal, leading to potential spoilage and degradation during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a conveyor belt with rollers to squeeze containers and detect lid deformation using a laser projector and detector, ensuring a hermetic seal by removing non-sealed containers through air blower intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging methods are used without seal integrity detection, then production speed is maintained, but product freshness and seal reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs seal integrity detection during the transportation phase on the conveyor belt, before containers reach the end of the production line. The rollers apply pressure and the laser detector checks for lid deformation in advance, allowing defective containers to be identified and removed before they cause spoilage or reach the customer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical seal verification systems with a simplified optical detection method. Instead of using mechanical probes or complex pressure testing equipment, the system uses laser projection and detection to measure lid deformation, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining detection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If seal integrity detection is implemented, then product freshness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical seal verification systems with a simplified optical detection method. Instead of using mechanical probes or complex pressure testing equipment, the system uses laser projection and detection to measure lid deformation, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining detection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism (the rollers) to apply controlled pressure that causes lid deformation, which then serves as a visible indicator of seal integrity. This intermediary approach transforms an invisible seal quality issue into a detectable physical deformation that can be easily measured by the laser detector.
3Measurement precision
If rollers are spaced far enough to cause lid bulging, then detection accuracy is improved, but container structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system carefully controls the pressure application parameters (roller spacing, pressure magnitude, contact time) to achieve optimal lid deformation for detection while staying below the threshold that would cause permanent damage to the container structure. The elastic deformation is temporary and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers apply sufficient pressure to cause visible lid bulging for detection purposes, but the pressure is controlled to be excessive only to the extent needed for reliable detection, not beyond what would damage the container. The deformation is intentional and temporary.
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
Ensures the integrity of the hermetic seal by identifying and removing containers with inadequate sealing, thereby maintaining product freshness during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The detector may include a laser projector and a laser detector, and the container may be transported to pass under the laser projector during the squeezing.
Implementation Method 2
squeezing the cup to pressurize the fluid contained in the container
Implementation Method 3
the container including an elastically deformable cup containing a product (for example coffee) and a fluid (for example, gas), and having an open mouth and a deformable lid attached around the open mouth of the cup
Data Source
AI summary
A production method and system performing the production method, the method includes detecting integrity of a hermetic seal of a container that is being transported by a conveyor, the container including an elastically deformable cup containing a product and a fluid, and having an open mouth and a deformable lid attached around the open mouth of the cup, the detecting including squeezing the cup to pressurize the fluid contained in the container; and determining with a detector whether the squeezing caused the lid to deform; and when it is determined that the squeezing failed to deform the lid, removing the container from the conveyor.