X-ray Inspection Device Multi-Threshold Foreign Object Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray inspection devices face challenges in distinguishing between foreign objects like dust and components from the assembly line, leading to inefficiencies in production lines as they often require stopping the production line for inspection, which reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray inspection device with a plurality of determination standards, utilizing an X-ray detecting unit, determining unit, and output unit, sets first and second thresholds to differentiate between foreign objects and components, allowing for real-time sorting and minimizing production line interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single threshold is used to detect foreign objects, then the detection process is simple, but it cannot distinguish between dust and components leading to unnecessary production line stoppages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object detection accuracyVSAvoiddetermination standard complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple determination units, each responsible for specific foreign object types (dust, components, etc.). Each unit has its own threshold and determination logic, allowing differentiated handling of different foreign object categories while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different thresholds and determination criteria are assigned to different foreign object types based on their specific characteristics. Dust detection uses one set of criteria while component detection uses another, optimizing detection accuracy for each category without requiring a single complex universal threshold

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the production line stops for every foreign object detection, then all foreign objects can be inspected, but production efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object inspection completenessVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination units dynamically select appropriate actions based on foreign object type and severity. For dust particles, the system may allow continued production with monitoring, while for critical components, it triggers production line stoppage. This dynamic response optimization balances inspection completeness with production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the response parameter (production line status) based on the detected foreign object type. Different thresholds and determination criteria lead to different operational states - either continued production or production stoppage - optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple determination standards are implemented, then foreign object classification improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object classification accuracyVSAvoiddetermination system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination system is segmented into multiple independent determination units, each handling specific foreign object types. This modular structure improves classification accuracy while keeping each unit's complexity manageable and allowing independent optimization of each determination module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient detection and sorting of foreign objects, reducing production line stoppages by accurately distinguishing between dust and components, thereby enhancing production efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray detecting unit configured and arranged to detect X-rays passing through an article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2261645B1X-ray inspection device
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP2261645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2261645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2261645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray inspection device includes an X-ray detecting unit, a determining unit, and an output unit. The X-ray detecting unit is configured and arranged to detect a level of X-rays passing through an article. The determining unit is configured to determine a state of the article based on a detection level of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detecting unit using a plurality of thresholds including a first threshold and a second threshold for a single determination criterion. The output unit is configured and arranged to output a result of determination made by the determining unit.