UV Light Barrier for Transparent Bottle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring devices for transparent or translucent objects in bottling lines face reliability issues due to small changes in refractive index and varying surface quality, requiring frequent sensitivity adjustments, which complicates the detection of object presence and absence.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring method and device using a light beam with a wavelength range substantially untransmittable through the objects, where object presence is determined by a complete cut-off of light, and absence by detection of light within this range, employing a wavelength-insensitive detection system and polarized light to enhance reliability and cost-efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light barrier with a detector is used to detect transparent objects, then the detection mechanism can identify object presence, but the reliability is limited due to small intensity variations caused by refractive index changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light beam to the UV range (200-400 nm), where glass and PET materials have significantly different transmittance properties compared to visible light. This parameter change enables the detector to distinguish objects with much higher contrast, improving both reliability and measurement precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of detecting the presence of objects by measuring small light intensity reductions (as in conventional visible light systems), the patent inverts the approach by using UV light where objects cause large intensity reductions or complete blockage. This inversion transforms a difficult detection problem into a simple binary detection task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection sensitivity is adjusted to accommodate varying surface quality and lubrication, then the detection mechanism can adapt to different bottle conditions, but the device complexity increases due to frequent sensitivity adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the light wavelength to UV, the system achieves inherent adaptability to surface quality variations. The UV wavelength provides such strong material-specific absorption characteristics that surface lubrication and quality variations no longer affect detection, eliminating the need for sensitivity adjustments and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light source and detector combination automatically adapts to different bottle materials and surface conditions without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates detection performance through the physical properties of UV light interaction with glass and PET, making the detection process robust against surface variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If visible light is used for monitoring, then the system can operate with simple detection equipment, but visual distractions and interference from ambient light reduce detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational wavelength from visible light to UV light (200-400 nm). This parameter change eliminates interference from ambient visible light sources while maintaining simple detector design. UV detectors are well-established and the system benefits from the natural absence of UV in typical production environments, reducing false signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV wavelength creates an optically 'inert' detection environment where ambient production lighting, sunlight, and other visible light sources do not interfere with detection. This inert optical environment simplifies the detection system by eliminating the need for complex filtering and shielding against ambient light.
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 significantly improves detection reliability and cost-efficiency by using a UV light spectrum for soda-lime glass or PET bottles, minimizing interference and visual distractions, and allowing accurate monitoring of object presence and absence, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the light beam comprises light at a wavelength range that is substantially untransmittable through the section of an object
Implementation Method 2
the light within the untransmittable wavelength range is absorbable and/or reflectable by the section
Implementation Method 3
Light with a defined polarization is provided in the light beam at the position of the trajectory. In this way, the detection reliability can be further improved since an emission of polarized light can provide a unique recognition feature of the emitted light that can distinct from the detected light.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring objects (2) that are moved along a trajectory (T) with a relative distance (D) from each other, the objects comprising a section (4) that is transparent or translucent in the visible light spectrum, wherein a light beam (8) is directed transverse to the trajectory (T) such that the objects (2) subsequently cross the light beam (8) at said section (4), and wherein light from said light beam (8) is detected by a detector (7). In order to improve the monitoring reliability in a cost- efficient manner, the invention proposes that the light beam (8) comprises light at a wavelength range that is substantially untransmittable through said section (4), and that the presence and/or absence of an object (2) is determined on the basis of a transitional time period during which substantially no light and/or during which light within said untransmittable wavelength range is detected by the detector (7).