Sealable Bag Volume Detection via Optical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for determining whether a sealable bag is properly sealed and sorting it are labor-intensive and inefficient, lacking automation.
Innovation Solution
A contactless scanning system that uses a scanner to obtain a surface profile topology of a sealable bag as it passes through an inspection station, calculating the apparent volume to determine if the bag is properly sealed, and sorting it accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless scanning is used to determine proper sealing, then the risk of bag rupture is reduced, but the measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sealing detection with optical scanning technology. The scanner uses light to create a three-dimensional profile of the bag surface, eliminating the need for physical contact that could cause bag rupture while maintaining measurement precision through advanced optical sensing and image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the detection system and the bag. The scanner emits light that interacts with the bag surface, and the reflected light carries information about the sealing quality. This intermediary approach allows non-contact measurement while preserving measurement accuracy through precise optical sensing.
2Productivity
If automated scanning and sorting is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional inspection system where a single scanning apparatus performs multiple tasks: three-dimensional profiling, sealing detection, fill level measurement, and bag orientation verification. This universal approach increases productivity by consolidating multiple inspection functions into one automated system while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated image processing and decision-making algorithms that enable the inspection system to self-evaluate bag quality without human intervention. The controller automatically compares scanned profiles against predetermined criteria and directs sorting actions, reducing the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional profiling is used to calculate apparent volume, then filling level accuracy improves, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary three-dimensional profiling of the entire bag surface during the scanning process. This preliminary action captures all necessary geometric data in a single pass, allowing subsequent calculations of apparent volume and fill level to be performed rapidly from the collected data without requiring additional measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system scans the entire bag surface with excessive detail, capturing more geometric information than strictly necessary for fill level calculation. This excessive action ensures that sufficient data is available for accurate three-dimensional reconstruction and volume calculation, while the processing algorithms efficiently extract only the relevant fill level information to maintain rapid throughput.
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
This method allows for rapid and efficient sorting of sealable bags by determining proper sealing without applying pressure, which could cause rupture, and ensures accurate filling levels, preventing damage to contents during handling and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a scanner configured and positioned to contactlessly scan a surface or surfaces of the sealable bag (upper or lower surface or both) as the sealable bag passes through the inspection station
Data Source
AI summary
Automated sorting of a sealable bag includes contactlessly scanning a surface or surfaces of a sealable bag (upper or lower surface or both) as the sealable bag is conveyed past an inspection station; obtaining a surface profile topology of the scanned surface; calculating apparent volume of the sealable bag from the surface profile topology; determining whether the apparent volume is within volume thresholds of over filled, under filled and unsealed bags; and sorting the sealable bag to a discard station responsive to a determination that the apparent volume of the sealable bag does not fit within the selected threshold(s).