Systems and methods for inspection and defect detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The clothing and fashion industry faces challenges in inspecting inbound articles objectively and accurately, leading to inconsistent reporting and poor customer experiences, as current systems lack standardized inspection methods and data collection for articles with multiple inspection areas and varying standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a defect detection tool with a clear body and surface elements, such as linear or circular features, to objectively inspect articles for physical defects, aligning with specific inspection standards and updating an article tracking system, ensuring consistent and accurate defect detection across different areas and criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customer-based defect reporting is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of defect detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inspection tool as an intermediary device between the customer and the defect reporting process. The tool includes standardized surface elements (circular and linear) that serve as reference markers, allowing customers to objectively compare defects against known standards without requiring expert knowledge. This mediator enables precise defect detection while maintaining ease of use for non-expert users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates standardized copies of defect patterns through the surface elements on the inspection tool. These elements represent typical defect sizes and shapes (circular for pills/fading, linear for snags/tears), providing customers with reference copies to compare against actual defects. This allows consistent defect identification without requiring customers to have specialized training.
2Measurement precision
If standardized inspection tools are implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a clear body for visibility, circular surface elements for detecting circular defects (pills, fading), and linear surface elements for detecting linear defects (snags, tears). This segmentation allows each element to serve a specific inspection purpose while keeping the overall tool simple and intuitive to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual contrast through color differences between the clear body and the surface elements. The surface elements have different colors or opacities that create visual contrast against the clear background, making it easy for users to see and compare defects without requiring complex instrumentation or additional accessories.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inspection areas with different standards are used, then adaptability to various article types improves, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool is designed as a universal device that can detect multiple types of defects across different article categories. By incorporating both circular and linear surface elements in a single tool, the system can inspect textiles, apparel, and other materials for various defect types without requiring multiple specialized tools, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inspecting an article with a defect detection tool includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station and inspecting one of the received one or more articles at the inspection station by evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool. The defect detection tool includes a clear body including a surface element sized to correspond to the at least one physical defect in the article, and an inspection surface configured to contact a surface of the article.