Non-contact Screw Closure Torque Verification via Optical Mark Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the torque of plastic screw closures on bottles are either manual, inefficient, or do not verify if the closure is properly aligned, leading to potential issues of bottles being too tight or too loose, which can result in user difficulties or leakage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using image evaluation and optical devices to determine the rotational position of plastic screw closures relative to bottles without contact, employing a light source to illuminate the bottle interior and a camera to capture and evaluate the external screw closure, allowing for the assessment of torque alignment by projecting internal bottle features onto the screw closure and determining deviations from optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual torque checking is performed by opening bottles with a torque measuring device, then torque measurement is possible, but production efficiency is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque measuring device with an optical measurement system. A mark on the closure and corresponding mark on the bottle are photographed, and the rotational position is determined optically by evaluating the relative position of these marks in the image, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (photograph) of the closure and bottle marks to determine rotational position. Instead of physically measuring torque, the system captures an image copy and analyzes the relative positions of marks in the photograph to infer the torque state
2Measurement precision
If automated torque checking is performed by diverting bottles at intervals, then some torque verification is achieved, but continuous monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous torque verification by integrating the optical mark evaluation system into the continuous production flow. The system photographs and evaluates marks on closures and bottles continuously as they pass through, without requiring periodic diversion or interruption of the production line
3Ease of manufacture
If torque is set according to empirical values, then closing is simple, but closures may be too tight or too loose requiring user aids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the optical evaluation of mark positions provides information about the rotational position and torque state of closures. This feedback enables verification and adjustment of the closing process to ensure closures are tightened to the correct torque, preventing them from being too tight or too loose
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 automated, non-contact verification of screw closure alignment in a production setting, ensuring bottles are neither too tight nor too loose, with adjustable tolerance ranges for optimal opening, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing user assistance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the bottle mouth is illuminated from the inside on the opposite side of the bottle
Implementation Method 2
the capturing device optically captures the image of the external side of the illuminated internal side
Data Source
AI summary
The torque which is required to open a plastic screw closure which is screwed onto a bottle is determined without contact by the rotation position of the screwed-on plastic screw closure in relation to the bottle being established. The rotation position is established by evaluating an image on the basis of a mark on the bottle and a mark on the screw closure. Ventilation slots which interrupt the turns of the screw thread on the bottle neck can be used as the mark on the bottle, and a predetermined breaking point on a securing ring of the screw closure can be used as the mark on the screw closure.