Transversal Seal Inspection Using Reference Imprints on Food Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring the quality of transversal sealing in food packages is not efficiently addressed by existing methods, which often require manual evaluation and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reference imprint during transversal sealing, captured by a camera, to analyze image data and determine quality measurement data based on the position of the imprint relative to a reference line, allowing continuous monitoring and adjustment of the packaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation of batches of food packages is used to ensure transversal sealing quality, then quality assessment can be performed, but it takes a substantial amount of time and interrupts production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the transversal sealing, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the sealing quality by detecting the reference imprint position and calculating quality parameters, eliminating the need for manual batch inspection and enabling continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the transversal sealing using a camera, and then analyzes this copy through image processing to determine sealing quality. This allows quality assessment without physically handling or interrupting the production of actual food packages.
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring of transversal sealing quality is implemented using image analysis, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transversal sealing process multi-functional by integrating both the sealing function and the quality measurement function into a single process. The reference imprint serves dual purposes: it aids in the sealing process itself and simultaneously provides a reference for quality measurement, eliminating the need for separate inspection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing transversal sealing process to create the reference imprint, which then automatically serves as its own measurement reference. The packaging material and sealing process itself provide the measurement standard, eliminating the need for external calibration artifacts or separate reference systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400) for assessing quality of a transversal sealing (102) of a paperboard-based food package (100), wherein the food package (100) comprises a longitudinal scaling (104), and is provided with an reference imprint (106) in connection to the transversal sealing (102) is provided. The method (400) comprising, capturing (S402), by a camera (202), image data of the transversal scaling (102), determining (S404), in the image data, a position of the reference imprint (106), determining (S406), in the image data, a position of a reference line (104), determining (S408) quality measurement data of the transversal sealing (102) based on the position of the reference imprint (106) relative to the position of the reference line (104).