Packing Machine Seal Detection Using Pivotally Attached Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing machines apply excessive load on packaging material due to the sliding contact of a large-diameter expansion ring with the tubular film, making it difficult to detect defective seals without increasing the load on the material.
Innovation Solution
A packing machine equipped with a guide member, a sealing device, a pivotally attached detection element, a biasing member, and a proximity sensor that detects the detection element's protrusion from the welded portion to determine seal defects without imposing a large load on the packaging material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large-diameter expansion ring is used to adjust weld conditions, then welding quality is improved, but the load on the packaging material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical expansion ring system with an optical detection system. Instead of using a large-diameter expansion ring that applies mechanical load to the film, the invention uses a detection element with optical sensors (reflective type or transmissive type) to detect weld quality without applying significant mechanical force to the packaging material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection element as an intermediary between the welding process and quality assessment. This detection element includes a light source and sensor that indirectly measure weld quality through optical properties rather than direct mechanical contact, thereby avoiding the application of large loads on the material.
2Reliability
If a detection system is added to detect defective seals, then quality control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element serves multiple functions: it detects weld quality, determines seal defects, and provides feedback for process control. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the patent avoids adding separate complex detection systems while achieving comprehensive quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying principles where light reflects off or passes through the welded portion to create an optical signature that indicates weld quality. This non-contact optical copying method simplifies the detection system compared to mechanical measurement approaches.
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 the detection of defective seals in tubular packaging without applying excessive load, ensuring reliable sealing while reducing material stress.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (28) for biasing the detection element (20) outwardly from the guide member (12)
Implementation Method 2
The detector (22) may include a proximity sensor that detects a proximity of a tip of the detection element (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A packing machine (10) includes a guide member (12) for guiding a sheet of packaging material (S) formed in a tubular shape; a sealing device (18) for fusing an overlapping portion of the packaging material (S); a detection element (20) provided downstream of the sealing device (18) pivotally attached to the guide member (12) and arranged along a welded portion (M) of the packaging material (S); a biasing member for biasing the detection element (20) outwardly from the guide member (12); and a detector (22) for detecting the detection element (20) that is pushed out from the welded portion (M).