Packaging Quality Tracking for Early Anomaly Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quality control systems for carton-based packaging systems rely heavily on manual processes, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in detecting anomalies, which can result in increased downtime and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamic quality control that involves marking packages with identification data, linking machine data to each package, and using a data processing system to request and analyze quality parameter data dynamically, providing instructions via video if needed, to efficiently assess and maintain packaging systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual processes are used for quality control data input, then the system is simpler to operate, but the risk of incorrect information increases and detection accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control data accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data input processes with automated electronic data collection and processing systems. Sensors, machine interfaces, and automated recording devices capture quality parameters directly, eliminating manual transcription and reducing errors while improving data accuracy and traceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The quality control system automatically collects, processes, and analyzes data without requiring manual intervention for routine operations. The system self-monitors packaging parameters, automatically compares data against specifications, and generates reports, reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If comprehensive quality control checks are performed on all packages, then detection capability improves, but processing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanomaly detection capabilityVSAvoidpackaging throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive quality control checks selectively rather than on every single package. Risk-based algorithms identify packages requiring detailed inspection based on process variations, historical data, and anomaly detection, allowing most packages to move through the system quickly while maintaining high reliability for problematic items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The quality control system continuously monitors packaging parameters and provides real-time feedback to adjust processing intensity. When quality metrics remain within specifications, the system reduces inspection intensity to maintain productivity. When anomalies are detected, feedback triggers increased monitoring and detailed checks, ensuring reliability without consistently reducing throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If quality control systems provide detailed feedback on packaging anomalies, then maintenance awareness improves, but the complexity of data processing and analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance information completenessVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quality control system segments data processing into distinct functional modules: data collection from sensors, preliminary analysis of packaging parameters, anomaly detection algorithms, root cause analysis, and maintenance recommendation generation. Each module handles specific aspects of data processing independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive feedback capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediate data processing layers that translate raw sensor data into meaningful maintenance information. Automated algorithms act as intermediaries between quality measurements and maintenance decisions, analyzing patterns and generating actionable insights without requiring complex manual interpretation, thus reducing information loss while managing processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3397562B2Methods and apparatuses for packaging quality assurance
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP3397562B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3397562B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3397562B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for quality control of a packaging system is provided. The method comprises receiving a first record of packaging quality parameter data related to a first packaging quality parameter for a package being assessed, determining a second packaging quality parameter based on said first record, requesting a second record of packaging quality parameter data related to said second packaging quality parameter, and receiving said second record.