1. Application of Digital Inspection in Labeling Systems
Peng Lu Yajuan Shi Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Li
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport
Abstract
This poster presents the application of digital inspection in automation & high speed carton labeling systems. As the superstar among various types of digital inspection, photoelectric sensing technology will be applied for precisely detecting the emergence of carton in the conveyor as well as the placement of label. For reliable detection, it’s essential for correct choice of photoelectric sensors. The working principle and typical application of four photoelectric sensing modes will be introduced. Incorporating the suitable mounting position of sensors with the right selection on photoelectric sensing modes, the efficiency of digital inspection will be enhanced significantly in carton labeling system.
Fundamentals of Photoelectric Sensing
Beam Break Sensing – Opposed Mode
Beam Break Sensing – Retro Reflective Mode
Beam Break Sensing – Divergent Mode
Beam Break Sensing – Convergent Mode
Pros:
Durable
Detect small object
Detect opaque object
Accurately part counting
Impervious to surface reflectivity
Pros:
Detection of object moving at high speed
Detection of large objective
Easy to install
Cons:
Not available for detection of small object
Not available for detection of shiny material
Application: Cardboard Box Detection
Cons:
Difficult to mount
Not detect clear material
Application:
Sorting Letters
Pros:
Detection of clear material
Convenience, easy to install
Detection of shiny radius objects
Detection of small and large object
Pros:
Detection of object when background light suppress is required
Counting radiuses objects
Detection of very small object
Application:
Can Edge Detection
Application:
Lead Frame Detection
Cons:
Detect small object at close range
Higher cost for unit
Side sensitivity
Cons:
Highest cost for unit
Excessive sensitivity
Carton Labeling System Layout
The first pair of opposed mode sensor detect carton. If yes, signal to label applicator
Put label to the carton and flow it to the next station
The second pair of opposed mode sensor detect carton. If yes, signal to the control box and activate the stopper
Carton stopped and label placement inspected by three convergent mode sensors
Stoppers retreat and carton flows continuously
If label placement tilted, ejector works and rejects the defective carton
Product Flow Direction
Products Flow Direction
Opposed Mode Sensor
Convergent Mode Sensor
Ejector
Label Placement Inspection
Stopper Cylinder
Future Possible Improvement
Conclusion
When an inspection application requires more sophisticated data acquisition than that provided by a traditional photoelectric sensor, many application engineers will choose a vision system. Through it, they can obtain image-based data and identify label orientation, part presence and arrangement, and other features.
Based on the digital inspection methods designed for the automation and high-speed carton labeling system, these methods could be developed and applied in various industries like pharmaceutical, food beverage, and cosmetic for more reliable and efficient products labeling.