Subdivided Light Exit Surface for Container Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection systems are costly and require significant space due to the need for separate devices for side wall and closure head inspections, which are typically used sequentially.
Innovation Solution
A single inspection device with a subdivided light exit surface that can be configured for both side wall and closure head inspections, using contrasting edges to enhance contrast and allow for simultaneous inspection of container defects, reducing the need for multiple devices and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inspection devices are used for side wall inspection and closure head inspection, then inspection reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is designed with a subdivided light exit surface that can be selectively configured to perform both side wall inspection and closure head inspection functions. The light exit surface includes a first sub-area for side wall inspection and a second sub-area for closure head inspection, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining inspection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The light exit surface is segmented into multiple sub-areas with different surface emission characteristics. The first sub-area has a first surface emission characteristic optimized for side wall inspection, while the second sub-area has a second surface emission characteristic optimized for closure head inspection. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specialized function within a unified device structure
2Measurement precision
If separate inspection devices are used for side wall inspection and closure head inspection, then inspection precision is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device integrates both side wall inspection and closure head inspection capabilities into a single compact unit. The illumination device with subdivided light exit surface can selectively activate different sub-areas depending on the inspection target, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining inspection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The light exit surface is divided into specialized sub-areas that can be selectively activated. The first sub-area with its specific surface emission characteristic provides precise illumination for side wall inspection, while the second sub-area with different characteristics provides precise illumination for closure head inspection, maintaining high measurement precision for both functions in a compact configuration
3Device complexity
If a single inspection device is used for both side wall and closure head inspection, then device complexity is reduced, but inspection precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different sub-areas of the light exit surface are assigned different surface emission characteristics optimized for specific inspection tasks. The first sub-area has emission characteristics tailored for side wall inspection, while the second sub-area has characteristics tailored for closure head inspection. This local optimization ensures high inspection precision for each function despite the unified device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device segments the light exit surface into functionally distinct sub-areas, each with optimized emission properties. This segmentation allows the single device to maintain high inspection precision for both side wall and closure head inspections by activating the appropriate sub-area with the appropriate emission characteristics for each inspection type
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 efficient and reliable inspection of both side walls and closure heads in a compact setup, improving defect detection and reducing costs by integrating both functions into a single system.
Implementation Method 1
at least a partial area of the container is illuminated by an illumination device (5) with a light exit surface (6)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Disclosed is an inspection apparatus (1) for inspecting containers (2) using transmitted light, comprising at least one camera (3) and an illumination device (5); the field of vision of the camera (3) is oriented in such a way that the camera (3) captures a light emergency surface (6) of the illumination device (5). The disclosed inspection apparatus (1) is characterized by a device (7) for subdividing the light emergence surface (6) into at least two predominantly horizontally separated sectors (6a - 6c) which can be selectively switched on and off in order for the sidewall and/or the cap of the container to be inspected.