X-ray Tomography for Glass Container Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quality control of glass containers are inefficient, as they require multiple devices for precise, repetitive, and rapid measurements, and do not provide comprehensive information for correcting forming process parameters, leading to defects in glass distribution, capacity, relief rendering, and internal geometry.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted X-ray tomography method that acquires images of glass containers under different angles, constructs a three-dimensional digital model, and analyzes it to determine quality indicators, allowing for adjustments to forming process parameters, including glass distribution, capacity, relief rendering, and internal geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for quality control measurements, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple quality control measurement functions (glass distribution, capacity, relief rendering, internal geometry) into a single X-ray tomography device. This single device performs all measurements that previously required multiple separate devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray tomography device is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse quality control measurements simultaneously. It can measure glass distribution through density analysis, capacity through volume calculation, relief rendering through surface reconstruction, and internal geometry through 3D modeling, all within a single universal platform.
2Ease of operation
If manual observation and measurement methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (calipers, feeler gauges, templates) with an automated X-ray tomography system. This substitution eliminates the need for manual cutting and physical measurement, providing non-contact, high-precision 3D measurements while maintaining ease of operation through automated image acquisition and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray tomography device creates a precise digital 3D copy of the container's internal and external geometry. This virtual model serves as a complete measurement record that can be analyzed repeatedly without physical contact, replacing the need for manual measurements and providing comprehensive data about glass distribution, capacity, and geometry.
3Ease of operation
If infrared camera observation is used, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement precision and information accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces infrared thermal imaging with X-ray tomography for non-contact measurement. While both methods are non-contact, X-ray tomography directly images the glass structure and density distribution, providing accurate glass distribution data rather than inferring it from temperature-based radiation patterns that are affected by multiple confounding factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses X-ray radiation as an intermediary to penetrate the glass and directly image its internal structure and density variations. This intermediary approach provides direct information about glass distribution, whereas infrared imaging relies on thermal radiation as an indirect proxy that is influenced by temperature gradients and other factors unrelated to glass thickness.
4Measurement precision
If destructive cutting methods are used, then direct thickness measurement is achieved, but productivity and measurement comprehensiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical cutting with non-contact X-ray tomography imaging. This substitution allows complete containers to be measured without being cut or damaged, maintaining productivity by eliminating the time required for cutting operations and preserving the measured containers for further processing or sale.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray tomography system creates a complete virtual copy of the container's 3D structure, allowing comprehensive measurement of all regions including wall thickness, capacity, and internal geometry without physically altering the container. This virtual copying approach provides complete measurement information while maintaining the integrity and availability of the original container.
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 precise, repetitive, and rapid quality control of glass containers, providing comprehensive information for correcting forming process parameters, thereby improving the manufacturing process and reducing defects.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, using the tomography device, several radiographic images of the sample container from different projection angles
Implementation Method 2
construct in a virtual reference frame, a three-dimensional digital model of the sample container from the radiographic images
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a glass container forming process (2) comprising the following steps: - taking a container called a sample; - acquiring, by means of a tomography device (30), several radiographic images of the sample container under different projection angles; - transmitting the radiographic images to a computer (38); - analyzing the radiographic images by the computer to construct, in a virtual coordinate system, a three-dimensional digital model of the sample container from the radiographic images; - and analyzing the three-dimensional digital model to determine, at least as a quality indicator (A) of the sample container, the rendering of reliefs made on the sample container.