Tamper Seal Detection System for Packaging Boxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inspection methods for ensuring proper sealing of boxes in blinded clinical trials are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, requiring manual counting and verification of sealing stickers on large batches of packaging.

Innovation Solution

A tamper seal detection system comprising a housing with adjustable sensors and a push guide assembly, controlled by an electronic controller, to accurately detect and verify the presence and position of sealing stickers on packaging boxes, automating the inspection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual counting and verification of sealing stickers is used, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors detect the presence and position of sealing stickers on packaging boxes, and an electronic controller automatically verifies proper sealing, eliminating the need for manual counting and verification while significantly increasing inspection speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system performs self-verification by automatically detecting and validating sealing sticker placement. The system compares detected sticker positions against predefined criteria and can automatically reject improperly sealed boxes, enabling the system to inspect itself without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual inspection of sealing stickers is performed, then equipment costs are low, but human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human inspectors with automated optical sensors and electronic controllers that objectively detect and verify sealing sticker placement. This eliminates subjective human judgment and potential errors, providing consistent, accurate inspection results regardless of inspector fatigue or training levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor sealing sticker placement and the electronic controller compares detected positions against acceptance criteria. The system provides immediate feedback by indicating pass/fail status and can trigger automatic rejection of defective packages, ensuring high inspection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If entire batches are re-inspected due to sticker count discrepancies, then thorough verification is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification thoroughnessVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary inspection of each packaging box as it passes through the inspection zone, detecting sealing sticker presence and position before the box leaves the production line. This real-time inspection prevents the need for subsequent batch re-inspection by identifying and isolating defective packages immediately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and inspects each sealing sticker individually using optical sensors, separating the inspection function from batch processing. By examining each package independently in real-time, the system identifies specific defective items without requiring re-inspection of entire batches, saving significant time while maintaining verification thoroughness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The system significantly reduces human error and increases efficiency by automatically verifying the presence and position of sealing stickers, allowing for real-time inspection and maintaining records, thus eliminating the need to re-inspect entire batches due to minor discrepancies.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect the presence of a sealing sticker on a packaging box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a sensor configured to detect the presence of a sealing sticker on a packaging box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3312597B1Tamper seal detection system and method of use
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC
  • EP3312597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3312597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3312597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tamper seal detection system for detecting a sealing sticker on a packaging box incudes a housing at least partially bounding an inspection zone, the inspection zone being configured to receive the packaging box. A first sensor is configured to detect the presence of the first sealing sticker located on the packaging box when the packaging box is received within the inspection zone. A push guide is movable relative to the inspection floor between a first position and a spaced apart second position and can be used to push the packaging box out of the inspection zone.