Optical Mass Fraction Determination for Plastic Bottle Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the mass fraction of the shoulder or neck area of plastic bottles are either destructive, non-accurate, or require significant delays in the production process, failing to provide sufficient precision and adaptability to different bottle shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving irradiation of the bottle side wall with light, detection of light distribution, and calculation of mass distribution to determine the mass fraction of specific wall sections, using a device with a light source, detector, and evaluation unit, which allows for non-destructive, accurate, and adaptable measurements by integrating mass distribution over defined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bottles are randomly discharged and sawed to determine mass fraction, then measurement can be performed, but the process is destructive and causes delay in production flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting and weighing operations with an optical measurement system. Light sources illuminate the bottle wall while detectors measure light transmission through the wall, enabling non-contact, real-time mass fraction determination without disrupting production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the bottle wall structure by measuring light transmission patterns. This optical profile serves as a proxy for mass distribution, allowing indirect but accurate determination of mass fraction without physical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If a radial irradiation grid is used to determine light transmission, then measurement can be performed, but wall areas between grid lines are not recorded and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bottle wall into multiple measurement zones with light sources and detectors positioned at different locations. This segmentation ensures complete coverage of the circumferential direction while maintaining continuous measurement capability, eliminating gaps in data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single radial measurement approach to a multi-dimensional measurement system by adding circumferential and axial components. Light sources and detectors are arranged to measure transmission across multiple dimensions, ensuring complete spatial coverage of the bottle wall.
3Measurement precision
If absolute mass values are determined from light transmission through the bottle wall, then mass measurement can be performed, but large errors occur due to conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from absolute light transmission values to relative light distribution patterns. By measuring the distribution of light across multiple points and comparing relative variations, the system eliminates conversion errors while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a calibration system that continuously references known standards to correct measurement drift. The evaluation unit processes light distribution data and compares it against calibrated values, providing feedback to maintain measurement accuracy without requiring absolute conversion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the irradiation grid limits are fixed, then the measurement system is simple, but the measuring range cannot be adapted to different bottle shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable light source and detector positions that can be reconfigured for different bottle shapes and sizes. The system adapts its measurement geometry based on the specific bottle being measured, providing versatility without requiring completely different hardware for each application.
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 precise and non-destructive determination of mass fractions in the shoulder or neck area, avoiding errors in absolute mass conversion and allowing for standardized comparisons across different bottle shapes, while being integrated into the existing production flow without disrupting it.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating an irradiation area of the bottle side wall with light, in particular with infrared or ultraviolet light, and detecting a light distribution of the light penetrating the bottle along a detection area of the side wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method involves irradiating an irradiation region (13) of a bottle side wall with a light (15) i.e. infrared or UV light. Light diffusion of a light along a detection region (17) of the side wall on a side of a bottle (2) is detected, where the side is turned towards the irradiation region. Mass distribution of the bottle side wall is calculated from the light diffusion. Mass-fraction of a mass of the side wall is determined based on the mass distribution. The light diffusion in a camera image is detected, where the detection region is formed in the camera image. An independent claim is also included for a device for determining mass and/or mass proportion of a wall section of a plastic surface, such as a section at a region of a bottle shoulder and/or a bottle neck.