Color Quality Checking of Unordered Preforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the color quality of preforms, such as beverage bottle preforms, require precise alignment and additional space, making them cumbersome and inefficient, especially when integrated with manufacturing machines.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows preforms to be transported unordered into a collection vessel where they are imaged by an imaging device, with the images processed to check color quality without the need for alignment, using a projection screen or plate for optimal evaluation and illumination, enabling quick and automated detection of defects with minimal space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preforms are aligned and arranged precisely for imaging, then measurement precision and defect detection accuracy are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing transport device and preform feed mechanism to automatically position preforms for imaging without requiring separate alignment devices. The preforms are imaged while being transported in their natural feed state, leveraging the existing system's motion and positioning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to work with the existing transport and feed mechanisms, making the imaging device universally applicable without requiring dedicated alignment infrastructure. The same transport device serves both transportation and positioning functions
2Reliability
If a separate checking system is added downstream from the manufacturing machine, then color quality checking capability is improved, but installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color quality checking system is merged with the existing transport device by integrating the imaging device onto the transport mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for a completely separate downstream checking system and reduces installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is given dual functionality by adding imaging capabilities, allowing it to serve both transportation and quality inspection purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems
3Area of stationary object
If imaging is performed during transport on the existing machine, then space requirements and installation complexity are reduced, but measurement precision and image quality may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging is performed at specific periodic intervals during transport when preforms are in optimal positions, rather than requiring continuous stationary imaging. This allows capturing high-quality images during motion without needing additional space for stationary positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment and positioning mechanisms with an imaging system that can capture and process images during transport. Image processing algorithms compensate for motion effects, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning
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 reliable, quick, and automated color quality checking of preforms with reduced space requirements and simplified installation on existing manufacturing machines, allowing for efficient detection of defects without the need for special alignment or additional feed devices.
Implementation Method 1
an image being made of the preforms by means of an imaging device
Implementation Method 2
Patent documents US 5260576 and US 5339962 disclose a method and apparatus for distinguishing and separating material items having different levels of absorption of penetrating electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and the corresponding system for checking the color quality of preforms (2) intended for the manufacture of containers, in particular beverage bottles, the preforms (2) being transported to a collection vessel (4) by a transport device (3), and an image of the preforms (2) being made by means of an imaging device (6) and being transmitted to a processing device for checking, in which the preforms (2) are led unsorted into the collection vessel (4) upon leaving the transport device (3), the image being made between the leaving of the transport device (3) and the collection vessel (4), and in which the image is processed by the processing device in such a way that the color quality of the preforms (2) and/or defective preforms (2) are discovered.