Parallel Conveyor Inspection for Simultaneous Coil Group Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for controlling multiple helical antennas in electronic cigarette cartridges are time-consuming and complex, leading to reduced productivity due to the need to evaluate the correct functioning of each antenna while distinguishing its response from nearby antennas.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine are developed to efficiently control a group of articles, specifically electronic cigarette cartridges with multiple coils, by using a winding machine that winds and welds coils in various orientations, allowing for simultaneous control of all coils in a single unit of time, thereby optimizing the control process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If controls are carried out to verify the correct operation of each antenna by discriminating the response of each single antenna from the response of other nearby antennas, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control process into two distinct phases: a first control phase that evaluates all antennas collectively using a group evaluation function, and a second control phase that evaluates individual antennas using a differential evaluation function. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement precision for individual antennas while improving overall productivity by avoiding the need to discriminate individual responses during the initial screening phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying different levels of control scrutiny to different antennas based on their evaluation results. Antennas that pass the first control phase with the group evaluation function proceed to the second phase with individual evaluation, while those that fail are rejected without requiring full individual discrimination. This partial application of excessive control measures optimizes the balance between precision and productivity.
2Reliability
If controls are carried out to evaluate the correct functioning of each single antenna, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control process is segmented into two phases: a first reliable group evaluation that quickly screens multiple antennas, and a second phase that provides individual reliability verification only when necessary. This segmentation reduces the total control time while maintaining reliability by avoiding redundant individual evaluations for all antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The first control phase with group evaluation function serves as a preliminary action that pre-screens antennas before individual evaluation. This preliminary filtering reduces the number of antennas that require time-consuming individual discrimination, thereby reducing overall loss of time while maintaining control reliability through the two-stage approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of helical antennas are used with different orientations in space, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single transponder with multiple helical antennas that can operate in different orientations in space, allowing the same device to maintain effective communication regardless of its spatial position or orientation. This multi-functional antenna system eliminates the need for separate transponders for different orientations, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity through a unified design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method and machine (67; 71; 74-79) to carry out a control on a group of articles (100; 102). An initial conveyor (83) is configured to move the articles (100; 102) along an initial path (P2), which starts in an input station (S20); a final conveyor (84) is configured to move the articles (100; 102) along a final path (P3), which is parallel and next to the initial path (P2) and ends in an output station (S21); a control unit (85) is configured to carry out a simultaneous control of all articles (100; 102) of the group of articles (100; 102); a first transferring device (86) is configured to simultaneously transfer the whole group of articles (100; 102) to be controlled from the initial conveyor (83) to the control unit (85); and a second transferring device (86) is configured to simultaneously transfer the whole group of articles (100; 102) controlled by the control unit (85) to the final conveyor (84).