Vibration-Based Particulate Contamination Detection in Sealed Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test apparatuses for detecting particulate contamination in container products produced by the blow-molding, filling, and sealing method face challenges in reliability and efficiency, particularly due to the need for multiple cameras and precise mirror control, and are unsuitable for testing container cards where rotation of containers is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus that uses a vibration device to oscillate containers at specific frequencies, allowing for improved detection of particulate contamination by differentiating particle motion patterns, and incorporates a sensor system with adjustable radiation types and image processing for reliable identification of contaminants, even in high-speed production environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and a pivot mirror are used to detect particulate contamination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras and lighting elements into a single sensor device module, integrating what would otherwise be separate complex components into one unified unit that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivot mirror system with a stationary sensor device that uses multiple cameras and lamps arranged to achieve the same detection effect, eliminating the need for precise mirror pivot motions and their associated control systems
2Measurement precision
If a pivot mirror is used to reflect light rays during circular motion, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to precise synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the dynamic mechanical pivot mirror system with a stationary optical arrangement using multiple cameras and lamps, eliminating the need for synchronized control of mirror pivot motions and simplifying the control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a dynamic mirror system requiring precise synchronization to a static sensor device with fixed camera and lamp positions, where the detection capability is achieved through the geometric arrangement rather than dynamic motion control
3Measurement precision
If containers are rotated about their vertical axis to stir up fluid, then measurement precision is improved by preventing contamination accumulation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotational motion of containers with a vibration device that oscillates the container at a pre-specifiable excitation frequency, achieving fluid agitation and particle differentiation through vibration rather than rotation, which simplifies the mechanical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the excitation frequency parameter of the vibration device to match the natural frequency of the fluid-container system, optimizing the agitation effect for particle differentiation without requiring complex rotational mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If rotation of each container is implemented for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for container cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vibration instead of rotation to achieve fluid agitation, which is applicable to both individual containers and container cards, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining testing reliability through the vibration-based particle differentiation method
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
The apparatus achieves high reliability in detecting particulate contamination with reduced construction and control efforts, enabling effective testing of container cards and maintaining high production speeds by differentiating particle types and minimizing false positives from air bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device (23) is provided which oscillates the container (13) at a pre-specifiable excitation frequency in such a way that the particulate contamination in the fluid can be detected
Implementation Method 2
The container (13) can be oscillated at a pre-specifiable excitation frequency in such a way that the particulate contamination in the fluid can be detected
Implementation Method 3
the sensor device has several cameras and a pivot mirror for the detection of particulate contamination. The pivot mirror reflects onto respective cameras light rays produced by lamps when they have passed out of a container
Implementation Method 4
the oscillation motion of the containers leads to free motion of particles with different motion patterns depending on the type of particle
Data Source
AI summary
A test apparatus checks containers (13) of plastic and produced using the blow-moulding, filling and sealing methods. The containers are filled with fluid that can contain particulate contamination deposited on the container wall when the container (13) is still and floating freely in the fluid when the container (13) is moving and/or changing position owing to the movement. The contamination can be detected by a sensor (37). By a vibration device (23), the container (13) can be oscillated at a prespecifiable excitation frequency such that the particulate contamination (47) in the fluid can be detected.