Preform Temperature Measurement with Focused Optical Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature measurement systems in container manufacturing facilities cannot determine the individual temperature of each preform, leading to unnecessary ejection of both defective and non-defective preforms, especially in aseptic production environments, resulting in significant losses.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact temperature measurement device with a converging optical system that projects a measurement beam onto a focused area smaller than the preform diameter, allowing individual temperature measurement of each preform in continuous motion, with optimized exposure time and orientation to ensure accurate and efficient temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-contact temperature sensors are used to measure average temperature of multiple preforms, then temperature monitoring capability is provided, but individual preform temperature cannot be determined leading to unnecessary ejection of both defective and non-defective preforms
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement beam is segmented into multiple spatially separated measurement zones, each corresponding to a specific preform position. This allows the sensor to measure temperature at distinct locations along the preform path, enabling individual preform identification and temperature measurement without requiring physical separation of preforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to temperature measurement by creating multiple measurement zones along the preform transport path. Instead of measuring a single average temperature, the system measures temperature at different positions along the movement direction, enabling correlation between spatial position and temperature for individual preform identification.
2Reliability
If sensors measure average temperature of multiple preforms, then temperature monitoring is enabled, but it becomes impossible to know which specific preforms are defective
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple spatial zones along the preform transport path. Each zone corresponds to a specific preform position, allowing the sensor to associate temperature measurements with specific preforms based on their position in the measurement zone, thereby preserving identification information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the preform's position in the measurement zone as an intermediary to link temperature measurements to specific preforms. The spatial position acts as a mediator that allows the system to distinguish between different preforms based on their location during measurement, enabling reliable identification without direct tracking.
3Reliability
If all preforms are ejected when a temperature defect is detected, then defective preforms are removed, but non-defective preforms are also lost
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system segments the preform stream into identifiable individual preforms based on their position in separate measurement zones. This segmentation allows the control system to distinguish between defective and non-defective preforms and apply selective ejection, maintaining production efficiency while ensuring quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature at multiple zones and using this information to make real-time decisions about which preforms to eject. The feedback mechanism allows for precise control of the ejection process, ensuring only defective preforms are removed while non-defective preforms continue through production.
4Productivity
If preforms are measured at high speed in continuous motion, then productivity is maintained, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system uses multiple spatially separated measurement zones that move with the preforms during transport. This segmentation allows the sensor to measure temperature at different positions simultaneously, maintaining measurement accuracy even at high speeds by distributing the measurement process across multiple zones rather than relying on a single measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous temperature measurement throughout the preform's passage through the measurement zones. By maintaining continuous measurement action across multiple zones and using the preform's motion to bring different portions through the measurement field, the system achieves both high-speed operation and accurate measurement without interruption.
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 precise, individual temperature measurement of each preform, reducing waste and ensuring compliance with aseptic standards by accurately identifying and managing preform temperatures throughout the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a converging optical device which allows an image of the sensor to be projected along a measurement direction into a preform temperature measurement zone with a measurement beam forming a cone converging towards a focal point
Implementation Method 2
a converging optical device which allows an image of the sensor to be projected along a measurement direction into a preform temperature measurement zone
Implementation Method 3
a non-contact temperature measurement device for a portion of the preforms comprising a sensor which is capable of measuring the temperature of the preforms in continuous motion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for measuring the temperature of a preform (10) in a facility (20) comprising: - a device (46) for transporting preforms (10); - a device (54) for contactless measurement of the temperature of a portion of the preform (10), comprising a sensor (56) which is capable of measuring the temperature of the preforms (10) in continuous travelling motion over a measurement section of the production path; characterised in that the measurement device (54) is equipped with an optical device (60) which can project an image of the sensor (56) in a measurement direction (Y) in the zone (62) for measuring the temperature of the preforms (10), the measurement zone (62) having a cross-section of dimensions less than the outer diameter of the portion of the preform (10) to be measured. The invention also concerns a facility for implementing the method.