Preform Alignment via Angular Momentum and Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing preforms in container production require complex and costly alignment and orientation systems, limiting computing power for defect detection and increasing production losses due to defective preforms.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that align a statistically relevant quantity of preforms using angular momentum and static friction, allowing for efficient transportation and imaging without separate sorting devices, focusing on detecting deviations from reference images to initiate control processes and reduce reject production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex sorting devices are used for alignment and orientation of all preforms, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and constructional outlay increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidconstructional outlay for alignment devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by aligning only a statistically relevant quantity of preforms rather than all preforms. This selective approach provides sufficient alignment for accurate defect detection while avoiding the complexity of aligning every single preform, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sorting devices with a combination of image recording and computational processing. By using image data to identify and align only the necessary subset of preforms, the system substitutes heavy mechanical infrastructure with lighter optical and computational components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If all preforms are aligned and oriented using roller sorting, then defect detection speed is improved, but the risk of malfunctions increases due to preforms jamming in the sorting path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection speedVSAvoidrisk of malfunctions in sorting path

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical roller sorting system with an image-based identification and selection process. By recording images of preforms in free fall and computationally determining which ones meet alignment criteria, the system eliminates the jamming-prone mechanical sorting path while maintaining detection speed through efficient image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image recording devices and computational processing as intermediaries between preform transport and defect detection. This intermediary layer allows the system to identify and select appropriately oriented preforms without direct mechanical contact, thereby eliminating jamming risks while preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If disordered preforms are tested without alignment devices, then device complexity is reduced, but computing power requirements increase due to 3D reconstruction needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment device constructionVSAvoidcomputing power for 3D reconstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing full 3D reconstruction and detailed analysis only on a statistically relevant subset of preforms that exhibit promising alignment characteristics in preliminary images. For other preforms, only basic orientation assessment is performed, significantly reducing overall computing requirements while maintaining detection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Significantly reduces the constructional outlay for alignment and maintains high testing speeds by aligning a majority of preforms for efficient defect detection, thereby minimizing production losses and material waste.

Implementation Method 1

A method and device that align a statistically relevant quantity of preforms using angular momentum and static friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular momentum: Angular Momentum

Implementation Method 2

A method and device that align a statistically relevant quantity of preforms using angular momentum and static friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12103219B2Method and device for testing preforms

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 INTRAVIS GESELLSCHAFT FUR LIEFERUNGEN & LEISTUNGEN VON BILDGEBENDEN & BILDVERARBEITENDEN ANLAGEN & VERFAHREN MBH

AI summary

A device and method tests preforms that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotation during their conveyance along a conveyance path. The device and method tests only a statistically relevant number of produced preforms, thus allowing substantial reduction in the constructive complexity required for aligning the preforms prior to being tested. A certain number of preforms that have not been correctly aligned are allowed to continue along the conveyance path without being tested.