Optical Runout Measurement for Rotating Drug Device Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring circular runout or concentricity in molded parts, such as syringe stoppers and plungers, provide inaccurate and variable data, leading to potential misalignment and functional issues in drug delivery devices, and are often time-consuming to operate.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a light source and optical imaging sensor to capture 2D images of molded parts, rotating them in increments to determine the position of outer edge points and calculate circular runout, allowing for precise measurement of concentricity and cylindricity, with automated options for improved efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing measurement systems are used to measure circular runout or concentricity, then measurement can be performed, but the data obtained is too variable to provide accurate and precise sample measurement output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the sample from multiple angles, and image processing algorithms determine circular runout and concentricity. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and associated variability, providing more reliable and accurate measurements through non-contact optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the physical sample from multiple perspectives. Instead of physically touching or manipulating the sample with mechanical probes, the system captures visual representations and analyzes them computationally. This copying approach preserves sample integrity and eliminates mechanical measurement errors while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If existing measurement systems are used to obtain circular runout data, then measurement can be completed, but it is time consuming to perform the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rotational movement of the sample while simultaneously capturing images at multiple angles. Rather than stopping at discrete measurement points, the system continuously rotates the sample and continuously captures data, eliminating idle time between measurements. This continuous action approach reduces total measurement time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture at multiple angles during the rotation process before final analysis is required. By capturing all necessary images during the rotation sequence and preparing them for analysis in advance, the system eliminates sequential processing delays and enables faster overall measurement completion.
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
The system provides reliable and accurate measurements of circular runout, enabling better quality control and informing mold alignment or replacement decisions, reducing operator variability and measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
providing a light source in an opposing relationship with an optical imaging sensor, wherein the light source and the optical imaging sensor are arranged such that a light path is defined between the light source and the optical imaging sensor such that light emitted from the light source impinges upon at least a portion of the optical imaging sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for measuring a component of a drug delivery or storage device are described. The method comprises providing a light source in an opposing relationship with an optical imaging sensor; positioning a sample component on a positioning stage located between the at least one light source and at least one opposing optical imaging sensor; and illuminating, with the at least one light source, the sample component. The controller is operable to capture an image of the component, determine the location of a first outer edge point PI of the captured image; rotate the sample component relative to the optical image sensor, and collect n images separated from each other by x degrees of rotation, wherein n*x is ≥360 degrees. The controller may compare a measured position of the at least one outer edge point PI between the captured images to determine a degree or circular runout.