Optical Detection for Cutting Ring Pre-Assembly Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the pre-assembly of cutting rings on pipes are incomplete and lack consistency, making it difficult to ensure quality in cutting ring screw connections.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical detection device with a digital camera and telecentric illumination to capture and evaluate image data, determining the position and geometric changes of the cutting ring relative to the pipe, and analyzing deformation to assess the quality of the pre-assembly within predetermined tolerance ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual and tactile checking by assembly personnel is used, then the checking process is simple and quick, but complete inspection cannot be performed and consistent process quality cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual and tactile checking method with an optical detection system using a camera to capture images and automated evaluation algorithms. This substitution enables complete inspection of all pre-assemblies while maintaining quick checking throughput, resolving the contradiction between inspection completeness and checking speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the pre-assembled cutting ring and pipe, then evaluates this copy through automated image processing. This allows complete inspection without handling the actual components, ensuring both thoroughness and efficiency in the checking process.
2Ease of operation
If random checking with mechanical test gauge is used, then the checking process is simple, but consistent process quality cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical test gauges with an optical measurement system that uses image processing to determine the position of the cutting ring relative to the pipe. This provides accurate, consistent measurements for all components while maintaining operational simplicity through automated evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capturing of image data that contains all necessary measurement information, then evaluates this data to determine position accuracy. This preliminary capture of complete information enables accurate assessment of all pre-assemblies without requiring complex manual measurement procedures.
3Reliability
If complete inspection of all pre-assemblies is performed, then consistent process quality can be guaranteed, but the checking process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual inspection procedures with an automated optical detection and image processing system. This automation achieves complete inspection of all pre-assemblies for quality consistency while the system remains relatively simple in operation, requiring only image capture and automated evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service checking system where the optical detection device automatically captures images and the evaluation algorithm automatically processes the image data to determine quality. This self-service approach enables complete inspection without requiring complex manual operations, resolving the contradiction between thoroughness and system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If visual checking is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but objective determination of process quality is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the pre-assembled components, which serves as an objective record for quality assessment. This image copy enables precise, objective measurement of position and geometry while the system remains simple, requiring only a camera and evaluation algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes subjective visual checking with objective optical measurement and automated image processing. This provides precise, repeatable quality assessment while maintaining system simplicity through the use of standard camera technology and automated evaluation algorithms.
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
Ensures complete and objective evaluation of pre-assembled cutting rings, allowing for quick and reliable assessment of their quality, thereby guaranteeing consistent process quality.
Implementation Method 1
a digital camera, in particular with at least 5 megapixels, preferably with a pixel accuracy of 4.8 μm, so that the electromagnetic rays detected by the detection device can be converted into image data
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (101) and a device (3) for checking the pre-assembly of a cutting ring (1) on a tube (2). The method (101) serves to check the pre-assembly of a cutting ring (1) on a tube (2) with a device (3) having at least one optical detection device (4) for acquiring (102) image data in a detection area (5), comprising at least the following method steps: - Acquiring (102) at least first image data of at least one tube (2) with a pre-assembled cutting ring (1) inserted at least partially into the detection area (4), - Evaluating (103) at least part of the first image data with respect to a position of the cutting ring (1) relative to the tube (2) and/or geometric properties of the tube (2) and/or geometric properties of the cutting ring (1).