Container Sidewall Contour Inspection Using Multi-Point Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for accurately detecting sidewall uniformity, particularly bulges or sunken sections, in containers, as they fail to provide precise contour measurements across the container axis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with at least one light source and one light sensor, responsive to reflected light energy from the container sidewall at multiple locations, processes signals to determine the sidewall contour using an information processor, which compares the positions to detect variations and identify deviations from a reference line, preferably aligned with the container axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing inspection methods are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the measurement precision of sidewall contour is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the sidewall measurement into multiple discrete measurement points along the container axis. By using multiple sensors positioned at different locations, the system segments the continuous sidewall surface into measurable discrete points, enabling precise contour detection through coordinated measurement of multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface inspection to three-dimensional contour measurement by adding the container axis dimension. Multiple sensors are positioned at different axial locations to capture sidewall positions along the entire container height, creating a three-dimensional contour map that reveals bulges and sunken sections
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensor locations are used to improve contour detection, then the sidewall uniformity detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor in the array serves multiple functions: it measures the sidewall position at its specific location, contributes to the overall contour profile, and helps detect both local defects and global uniformity issues. The same sensor array configuration can inspect different container types by adjusting measurement parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors are merged into a coordinated measurement system where individual sensor outputs are combined by the controller to generate the complete sidewall contour profile. The sensors work together as an integrated unit, with their collective data processed to identify contour variations that would be invisible to single sensors
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 solution enables precise detection of sidewall contour variations, allowing for the identification of bulges or sunken sections, thereby ensuring the quality and integrity of containers by providing accurate sidewall uniformity inspection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source for directing light energy onto the container sidewall and at least one light sensor disposed to receive light energy from the light source reflected from the container sidewall
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
An apparatus for inspecting the contour of a container sidewall (30) includes at least one light source (32, GG) for directing light energy onto the container sidewall and at least one light sensor (38, 72) disposed to receive light energy from the light source reflected from the container sidewall. The light sensor is responsive to such reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of the position of the container sidewall relative to the sensor at at least three locations (54, 56, 58) on the container sidewall spaced from each other in the direction of the container axis. An information processor (40) is responsive to such signals to determine the contour of the container sidewall as a function of departure of the sidewall position at one of said three locations from a line between sidewall positions at the other two of said three locations. The other two of said three locations (54, 58) on the container sidewall are preferably adjacent to the container shoulder and the container heel, the one location (56) being between the container shoulder and the container heel. The at least three locations (54, 56, 58) on the container sidewall are preferably nominally aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the container axis.