Inspection Carousel for Ampoule Crack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for products like ampoules and bottles face challenges in distinguishing between scratches and cracks during optical inspection, leading to ambiguous results, and the high-voltage testing process is complex and difficult to handle, slowing down the inspection process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatably drivable inspection carousel and angled transport stars that transfer products from a vertical to a horizontal position for high-voltage testing, allowing for efficient and safe handling and differentiation between scratches and cracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical inspection methods are used to detect defects, then a large amount of reliable information regarding product defects can be obtained, but it cannot clearly distinguish between scratches and cracks leading to ambiguous inspection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vacuum test as an intermediary step between optical inspection and final defect classification. The vacuum test acts as a mediator that provides additional information about product integrity, allowing clear distinction between scratches (which pass vacuum test) and cracks (which fail vacuum test), thereby resolving the ambiguity in defect classification
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process is segmented into multiple independent stages: optical inspection stage, vacuum test stage, and high-voltage test stage. Each stage performs a specific function and provides different types of information, allowing the system to overcome the limitations of any single inspection method and achieve accurate defect classification
2Measurement precision
If additional modules for high-voltage testing are added to distinguish scratches from cracks, then reliable defect classification can be achieved, but handling products to be tested becomes difficult and the inspection process slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-voltage testing function with the existing transport carousel structure. The electrodes are integrated into the carousel positions, allowing products to be tested during the same rotational cycle used for transport and positioning. This combination eliminates the need for separate handling operations and maintains high inspection speed while achieving accurate defect classification
3Reliability
If products are picked up individually and rotated between electrodes in the test position, then high-voltage testing can be performed, but very complex constructions are required that slow down the entire inspection process
Solution Approach 1:
The transport carousel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transports products through the inspection path, positions products for optical inspection, and provides the test position for high-voltage testing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate complex handling mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable high-voltage testing 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
Enables simple and safe high-voltage testing with streamlined product transport and positioning, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the inspection process by clearly differentiating between scratches and cracks.
Implementation Method 1
the products are pivoted by the pick-up rockers from a vertical pick-up position into an at least horizontal testing position
Implementation Method 2
at least two rotating transport stars arranged at an angle to one another
Implementation Method 3
the product is placed between two electrodes, ie between a ground electrode and a tip electrode, during a high-voltage test. If the spark breaks through when the high voltage is applied, there is a crack
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) has a moving unit that is provided for moving of the products. A detection unit is provided for performing high voltage test of products. The products are arranged diagonally to each other by a rotary transportation unit (18) which is moved from a vertical receiving position to horizontal receiving position or moved from horizontal receiving position to vertical receiving position by a rotary drivable inspection unit (12).