Movable Ring Sensor Layout for Foreign Body Detection in Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines, particularly those operating in a clocked manner, face challenges in efficiently and economically detecting metallic foreign bodies in containers due to the unsuitability of conventional metal detectors and the high cost of X-ray equipment.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus with a conveyor device and movable sensors configured to detect foreign bodies, allowing relative movement between the sensor and the container, which includes an inductive ring sensor for detecting metallic foreign bodies, and a conveyor system that conveys containers in a clocked manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal detectors are used in packaging machines operating in a clocked manner, then foreign body detection capability is provided, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional metal detectors and X-ray equipment with a sensor system that detects foreign bodies through capacitive coupling between the sensor and container. This substitution of the detection mechanism reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining detection capability for metallic and non-metallic foreign bodies in clocked packaging machines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sensor that creates an electrical field model of the container contents, detecting foreign bodies through changes in capacitance without requiring physical contact or complex imaging systems. This virtual detection approach simplifies the overall system compared to conventional metal detectors
2Measurement precision
If X-ray equipment is used for detecting metallic foreign bodies in containers with metallic seals, then detection accuracy is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from X-ray absorption to electrical capacitance measurement. By measuring capacitance changes between the sensor and container contents, the system can detect foreign bodies including metallic ones without requiring expensive X-ray equipment, thereby reducing cost while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes X-ray equipment with a simpler electrical sensor system that uses capacitive coupling to detect foreign bodies. This replacement eliminates the need for expensive X-ray machinery while providing sufficient detection accuracy for containers with metallic seals
3Reliability
If a sensor is positioned to enclose the container for detection, then detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects foreign bodies, measures container properties, and works with both metallic and non-metallic containers. This multi-functionality is achieved through a simple capacitive sensing mechanism that eliminates the need for complex positioning systems while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable sensor or carrier element that can dynamically adjust the relative position between sensor and container. This dynamic adjustment allows the sensor to achieve optimal detection positioning without requiring complex fixed structures, thereby improving detection coverage while keeping device complexity manageable
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 efficient and economical detection of metallic foreign bodies in containers, ensuring reliable identification without excessive costs, and integration into existing packaging machines.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor (26) is in this case configured as an inductive sensor, for example as a ring sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A testing apparatus has at least one sensor for detecting foreign bodies in a container to be tested. The at least one sensor and/or at least one carrier element receiving the container are movable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement. In the first arrangement, the at least one sensor is arranged at a distance in the movement direction from the container. In the second arrangement, the at least one sensor encloses the container at least partially.