Inspection Module With Segmented Conveyor Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for flat, sheet-like materials in folding box production face challenges in providing sufficient space for line cameras and reliably identifying faults during transport, leading to high production costs and limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
An inspection module with a control system comprising a camera, light source, and housing placed below the sheet transport plane, utilizing a gap in the transport device with driven upper and lower conveyor belts, and incorporating blown air for smooth transport and dust prevention, allowing for high-resolution inspection and camera alignment without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the line scan camera is arranged below the sheet transport plane to inspect the entire width of the printed blank, then the camera can capture the full inspection area, but the lower continuous conveying elements get in the way and installation space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lower conveyor belt is divided into two separate conveyor belts that run parallel to each other, creating a gap between them. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned in the gap below the sheet transport plane, enabling full-width inspection while providing sufficient installation space for the camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is positioned in the vertical dimension below the sheet transport plane, utilizing the gap created by the segmented lower conveyors. This dimensional arrangement allows the camera to capture the entire width of the printed blank without interference from the conveying elements.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is installed in a gap in the conveyor belt below the sheet transport level, then inspection is possible, but production costs for the transport device become quite high
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the two lower conveyor belts serves multiple functions: it allows camera installation for inspection purposes while maintaining the sheet transport capability. This multi-functional design enables inspection without requiring separate expensive transport devices.
3Reliability
If the blanks are transported with the printed side down between upper and lower conveyor belts, then the transport mechanism can support the blanks, but the line scan camera must be arranged below where conveying elements obstruct the view
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the lower conveyor belt into two parallel belts creates an unobstructed gap for camera placement, allowing the camera to capture images of the entire printed blank width without interference from conveying elements while maintaining stable transport.
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 reliable fault identification and improved production efficiency by ensuring smooth sheet transport, reducing dust ingress, and extending camera component lifespan through precise alignment and cleaning, while being cost-effective and adaptable to different working widths.
Implementation Method 1
The housing of the control system is connected to a blown air connection, through which a stream of air is fed into the housing, which exits at the top gap of the housing. This supports particularly smooth transport of the boxes, which ensures reliable inspection.
Implementation Method 2
An inspection module with a control system comprising a camera, light source, and housing placed below the sheet transport plane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an inspection module for flat, sheet-shaped material made of paper, cardboard, or the like, with a control system arranged below the sheet transport level. The sheets are transported by means of contacting upper and lower conveying elements of at least one upper and one lower conveying unit, at least one of which is connected to a drive. The lower conveying unit is divided and consists of at least two conveying elements with a gap between them. The control system is arranged in this gap.