Winder Defect Inspection via Dynamic Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing break detection and inspection systems for winders lack sensitivity, configurability, and integration, leading to unnecessary culling of saleable products and limited defect profiling, particularly in flex winders with increased defect toleration and masking requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for inspecting defects in winders that involve scanning with sensors to detect defects, associating them with winding process parameters, and classifying into defect profiles using segmentation of roll build and sensor segments, with adjustable sensitivity and control of winding modules based on detected defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing break detection and inspection systems are used in winders, then basic web break detection can be achieved, but sensitivity is insufficient leading to limited defect profiling and unnecessary culling of saleable products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection sensitivityVSAvoidinspection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system segments the web inspection process into multiple scanning zones (head box region, forming section, etc.) with different sensitivity levels and defect profiles. Multiple sensors are positioned at different locations to detect defects at various stages of web formation, allowing precise defect classification without requiring a single overly complex inspection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes detection parameters dynamically by adjusting sensor sensitivity and inspection criteria based on the specific region being scanned and the type of defect detected. This allows the system to maintain high sensitivity for critical defects while tolerating minor variations in non-critical areas, improving overall measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing inspection systems with fixed sensitivity are used, then simple defect detection can be achieved, but configurability is limited leading to unnecessary culling of saleable products in flex winders with increased defect toleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection system configurabilityVSAvoidproduct waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system transitions from fixed sensitivity to dynamic, adjustable sensitivity levels. Operators can configure defect toleration thresholds based on product specifications and customer requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different production scenarios. This dynamic configurability prevents unnecessary culling of saleable products while maintaining quality standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where defect detection data is analyzed and used to adjust inspection parameters and defect profiles. This allows continuous optimization of the inspection process, reducing false positives and unnecessary product culling while maintaining high quality standards through adaptive configurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If basic sensor scanning is used for defect detection, then simple defect identification can be achieved, but defect profiling capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect profiling capabilityVSAvoidinspection process automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments defect detection into multiple categories and profiles based on defect location, type, and severity. By dividing the web into different scanning zones and assigning specific defect profiles to each zone, the system captures comprehensive defect information without requiring overly complex automated analysis, thus reducing information loss while maintaining manageable automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If high sensitivity defect detection is implemented, then precise defect identification can be achieved, but unnecessary culling of saleable products occurs due to lack of configurability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidsaleable product waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different quality standards and sensitivity levels to different regions of the web and different types of defects. Critical defects in key areas trigger culling, while minor defects in non-critical areas allow the product to pass. This local quality approach maintains high detection precision while preventing unnecessary waste of saleable products through region-specific tolerance levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2552820B1Winder registration and inspection system
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
  • EP2552820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2552820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2552820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Registration and inspection systems and methods for use on a winder are disclosed. The systems and methods include scanning a region proximate a winding module with one or more sensors to determine a product defect. The product defect is then associated with a winding process parameter, such as percent roll build information or the identity of the particular sensor to first detect the defect. The winding process parameter is used to classify the defect into one or more defect profiles. The defect profiles can be based at least in part on segmenting the roll build of a web onto a winding module into a plurality of inspection windows and segmenting a plurality of sensors into a plurality of inspection sensor segments.