Label Inspection Device Test Method for High-Speed Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection devices for labeling machines are complex and unsafe, particularly due to high container flow speeds, making it difficult to reliably check for correct label positioning and alignment, and they often fail to distinguish between correctly and incorrectly aligned labels.

Innovation Solution

A test method is introduced where a specified number of test containers with incorrect and correct label placements are fed into the inspection device, allowing it to generate signals for ejecting faulty containers, ensuring correct function by differentiating between defective and fault-free containers, and providing immediate feedback through a connected inspection screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If test containers are manually checked after labeling, then label positioning accuracy can be verified, but the checking process becomes complex and unsafe due to high container flow speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel positioning accuracyVSAvoidchecking process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical checking with an automated optical inspection device that uses cameras and image processing to detect label positioning accuracy. This substitution eliminates the complexity and safety issues of manual checking while maintaining high measurement precision through digital image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device enables the labeling system to self-check its own output automatically. The system continuously monitors label positioning and provides real-time feedback without external intervention, allowing the process to self-correct and eliminating the need for separate manual verification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If inspection devices operate at high container flow speeds, then productivity is maintained, but reliability of detection decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer flow speedVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device performs preliminary detection of label positioning errors before the containers leave the labeling station. By capturing images and analyzing label positions in real-time at high speed, the system identifies defects early, allowing immediate correction while maintaining continuous high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring label positioning and immediately signaling when errors are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains detection reliability at high speeds by providing instant information about positioning accuracy, enabling rapid correction without slowing down the production line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual checking methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between correctly and incorrectly aligned labels decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment complexityVSAvoidlabel alignment differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple manual visual checking with automated optical inspection that uses image processing algorithms to precisely differentiate between correctly and incorrectly aligned labels. This substitution provides superior measurement precision through digital analysis while keeping the overall equipment relatively simple and easy to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2344392B1Test method for inspection device, particularly for label seating inspection device
Publication Date: 2014.05.28 KHS GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a test method for checking an inspection device, comprising at least the steps of: generating a prescribed number of faulty and/or correctly labeled containers or test containers; moving the faulty containers or test containers past the inspection device, which detects the faulty containers or test containers and generates a signal for ejecting the faulty containers or test containers, or indicates a value relative to the expected and the measured faulty and/or correctly labeled containers. The test method can be started or performed manually or automatically, and is suitable, for example, for checking a label location inspection device for correct functionality, or optionally for confirming the faulty functioning thereof.