Inductive Ring Sensor Testing for Sealed Container Metal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines for ingestible products, such as medical or pharmaceutical products, are unable to effectively and cost-effectively detect metallic foreign bodies in containers, especially in intermittently operated bottle lines, and require expensive X-ray equipment for sealed containers.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with an inductive ring sensor that moves relative to the container, allowing for synchronized inspection of filled and sealed containers, using a movable support element to generate a relative movement and detect metallic foreign bodies with high sensitivity and resolution, while minimizing interference from metal objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray equipment is used to inspect sealed containers for metallic foreign bodies, then detection capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary sensing function from complex inspection systems. By using a simple inductive sensor that detects metallic foreign bodies through the container wall, it eliminates the need for expensive X-ray equipment while maintaining effective detection capability for metallic contaminants in sealed containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex X-ray equipment with a simple, inexpensive inductive sensor that can be easily integrated into the packaging line. This低成本 sensor provides sufficient detection capability for metallic foreign bodies without requiring the complexity and cost of X-ray systems.
2Device complexity
If a stationary sensor is used for inspection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor with the movable support element or conveyor system. By combining the stationary sensor with the movement of the container or support element, it achieves relative movement between the sensor and container, thereby improving detection sensitivity without requiring a complex movable sensor assembly.
3Measurement precision
If a movable sensor is used to achieve relative movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the sensor movable to achieve relative movement, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the sensor stationary and making the container or support element movable. This achieves the same relative movement effect for improved detection sensitivity while avoiding the complexity of a movable sensor system.
4Measurement precision
If conventional metal detectors are used in intermittent bottle lines, then detection capability is improved, but device adaptability deteriorates due to unsuitability for intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic inspection system where the relative movement between the stationary sensor and the container (through container conveyance or support element movement) enables effective detection in intermittent bottle lines. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying operational modes while maintaining detection capability.
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 solution enables simple, cost-effective detection of metallic foreign bodies in containers, ensuring high sensitivity and reliability, and prevents contamination by inspecting sealed containers before distribution, thus reducing operational costs and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is, in particular, designed as an inductive ring sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A test device (16) according to the invention comprises a sensor (26) for detecting foreign bodies in a container (4a) to be tested, wherein the sensor (26) and/or a support element (46), in which the container (4a) is received in a test area (28), is movably designed so that a relative movement between the sensor (26) and the container (4a) can be generated in a direction of movement (B) perpendicular to a conveying plane (20) of the container between a first arrangement and a second arrangement. In the first arrangement, the sensor (26) is spaced apart from the container (4a) in the direction of movement (B) and at least partially surrounds the container (4a) in the second arrangement.