Side-Wall Inspection of Opaque Pulp Containers via Near-Infrared Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulp containers made of diffuse, largely opaque material pose a challenge for inspection of damage and contamination before filling, as existing methods are not effective for opaque containers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a lighting device and camera system that emits light into the pulp container through its mouth and captures images of the side wall to detect damage and contamination, with optional near-infrared light and diffuse illumination for improved visibility, and the ability to inspect labels and imprints simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light transmission inspection is used for transparent containers, then contamination and damage can be detected, but this method cannot be applied to opaque pulp containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from visible range to near-infrared range (700-1500 nm), which allows light to penetrate opaque pulp container walls that block visible light, enabling transmission inspection for previously uninspectable containers
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed to handle both transparent and opaque container types using the same near-infrared transmission method, making the system universally applicable to different container materials and structures
2Reliability
If inner-wall inspection with large-surface-area light source is used for opaque cans, then damage can be detected, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses near-infrared light (700-1500 nm) which penetrates opaque materials more effectively than visible light, allowing the use of simpler external lighting devices instead of complex internal illumination systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the light source inside the container (complex), the patent inverts the approach by placing the light source outside and detecting light transmission through the container wall, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If side-wall inspection is performed on diffuse opaque material, then damage detection is enabled, but inspection precision decreases due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses near-infrared wavelengths (700-1500 nm) that experience less scattering in diffuse pulp materials compared to visible light, improving penetration depth and signal quality for damage detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis method by evaluating light transmission patterns and intensity variations rather than direct imaging, allowing damage detection despite light scattering in diffuse materials
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 and efficient detection of damage, contamination, and label integrity on pulp containers, enhancing inspection efficiency without the need for separate equipment.
Implementation Method 1
light from the lighting device can be emitted into the pulp container through the mouth of said container... camera configured to register light passing through a side wall of the pulp container
Implementation Method 2
The lighting device can further comprise a light source and an optical system... The light provided by the lighting device can be or comprise near-infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for optically inspecting a pulp container. The apparatus comprises a lighting device, wherein a mouth of the pulp container can be arranged below the lighting device such that light from the lighting device can be emitted into the pulp container through the mouth of said container, and a camera which is configured to register light passing through a side wall of the pulp container and thus to capture an image of the side wall of the pulp container. The present disclosure further provides a method for optically inspecting a pulp container.