Automated Tube Sealing System with Image-Based Parameter Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sealing machines require manual input of operating parameters, leading to errors and increased sealing time for various tube sizes and materials, and lack automated quality inspection and failure prediction capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An automated sealing system that uses image processing to determine tube parameters, retrieve corresponding sealing parameters from a database, and control the sealing process, including an image capturing device, a processing device, and a drive unit to automate the sealing process and inspect seal quality using artificial neural networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual input of operating parameters is used for sealing different tube variants, then the sealing process can be performed, but errors increase and sealing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different tube variantsVSAvoidsealing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines tube parameters using image processing and autonomously selects sealing parameters from the database without manual intervention. The processing device executes the entire workflow from image capture to sealing parameter selection, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating time-consuming manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input operations with an automated image processing and database retrieval system. The optical imaging system captures tube images, the processing device analyzes them to determine tube parameters, and automatically retrieves corresponding sealing parameters from the database, substituting manual mechanical parameter entry with an automated information processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual input of operating parameters is used for sealing different tube variants, then the sealing process can be performed, but errors increase and production batch losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different tube variantsVSAvoiderror rate in parameter input

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines tube parameters using image processing and autonomously selects sealing parameters from the database without manual intervention. The processing device executes the entire workflow from image capture to sealing parameter selection, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating time-consuming manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input operations with an automated image processing and database retrieval system. The optical imaging system captures tube images, the processing device analyzes them to determine tube parameters, and automatically retrieves corresponding sealing parameters from the database, substituting manual mechanical parameter entry with an automated information processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If visual inspection is used to check seal quality, then the sealing process is simple, but quality inspection accuracy is low and failure prediction is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of sealing processVSAvoidseal quality inspection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical imaging and image processing system. The image capturing device captures seal images, and the processing device automatically analyzes seal quality based on image features, substituting subjective human visual assessment with objective automated image analysis to improve measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by capturing images of sealed tubes, analyzing seal quality through image processing, and using the results to predict potential failures. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and assess seal quality, providing actionable information for quality control and failure prediction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Minimizes errors and production batch losses by automating the sealing process for different tube variants, reduces sealing time, and enables automatic quality inspection and prediction of sealing system failures.

Implementation Method 1

perform heat sealing of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat sealing: Heating

Implementation Method 2

Heat sealing is a process of sealing materials using heat and pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal melting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

directing rays from a source to a tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

capturing an image of at least a portion of the tube by an image capturing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage processing: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentEP3898203B1Sealing system for sealing a tube and an automated method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2024.08.14 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

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AI summary

Disclosed is an automated method (54) which includes directing rays from a source (34) to a tube (38) disposed between relatively movable first and second sealing plates (20,32), capturing an image (70) of at least a portion of the tube (38) by an image capturing device (26), and transferring the captured image (70) to a processing device (24). The method (54) also includes determining a plurality of tube parameters by the processing device (24) based on the captured image (70), using an image processing technique and determining a plurality of sealing parameters from a database (44) by the processing device (24) based on the determined plurality of tube parameters. Additionally, the method (54) includes controlling the drive unit (22) and a heater (36) by the processing device (24) influenced by the determined plurality of sealing parameters, to respectively compress the tube (36)and perform heat sealing of the tube (38).