Tube Component Orientation Using Laser Reflection Signal Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for orienting tube heads relative to tube bodies in packaging, such as those used in cosmetics, food, or oral care, face challenges due to the difficulty in detecting notches, deformations caused by clamps, and parasitic signals, which hinder precise alignment and lead to long adjustment times and reduced applicability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that create a signal model by combining a component signal and a parasitic signal model, allowing for the separation of orientation-specific information from parasitic noise, enabling automatic orientation even in environments with significant noise and deformation, through a three-phase process of modeling, calibration, and automatic orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a laser beam and notch detection system is used to orient tube heads, then automatic orientation is achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to notch geometry, component deformation, and opacity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical reflection properties (analogous to color changes) by detecting the reflection of laser beam from the component surface. Instead of relying on notch geometry, the system detects the angular position where maximum reflection occurs, which corresponds to the reference mark orientation. This approach is insensitive to component deformation, opacity, or geometric variations.
2Measurement precision
If notch geometry is used for orientation detection, then alignment reference is provided, but detection becomes difficult due to shape, size, or opacity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces notch geometry detection with optical reflection detection. The reference mark is identified by its angular position when it reflects the laser beam back to the detector, providing a clear optical signal that is easy to detect regardless of the component's opacity, shape, or size variations.
3Measurement precision
If component rotation and signal correlation method is used, then orientation accuracy is improved, but the system cannot handle components with significant deformation or parasitic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical reflection characteristics that remain consistent even when components are deformed by clamps. By detecting the angular position of maximum reflection from the reference mark, the system achieves accurate orientation measurement without being affected by component deformation or parasitic signals from rotation tooling.
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
This approach enhances robustness and efficiency, allowing for high production rates and precise orientation of components, even when deformed or with significant parasitic noise, reducing rejections and adjustment times, and improving alignment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The beam 5 emitted by the laser cell 11 is reflected by the mirror 12 and detected in return by the cell 11
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Method for orienting tube components (2), such as heads or stoppers, comprising a step of measuring the angular position (6) of a component followed by a step of orienting said component, in which step the angular correction of the component is determined especially while taking into account the measured signal (8); method characterized in that said angular correction is also determined while taking into account a modelled parasitic signal (15). The invention also comprises a device using said method.