Adjustable Animal Identification Ring with Breakable Locking Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal identification devices lack effective adaptation to varying animal morphologies and secure, tamper-proof locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A wide flat strip forming an identification ring with complementary locking and adjustment means, incorporating an electronic transponder, and a breakable locking rod with a gripping head and ovoid end cone, allowing for adjustable fitting and secure locking around an animal's leg, with a breakable zone for easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is provided to secure the ring around the animal's leg, then the reliability of the identification device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of identification deviceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking rod is divided into distinct functional segments: a gripping head for insertion, a breakable zone for controlled failure, and a cylindrical locking portion for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking rod is designed as a disposable component that is broken after use. The breakable zone allows the rod to be snapped off, leaving the gripping head separated from the locking portion. This eliminates the need for complex unlocking mechanisms and ensures the device cannot be easily removed or tampered with.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment means are provided to adapt the ring to different animal morphologies, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to animal morphologyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is designed with flexible adjustment capabilities through movable locking projections that can engage with multiple adjustment holes at different positions. This allows the ring size to be dynamically adjusted to fit different animal leg circumferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking rod serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism and an adjustment tool. By engaging with different adjustment holes positioned at various locations around the ring, the same locking rod enables size adjustment without requiring separate adjustment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a breakable zone is provided in the locking rod, then the ease of operation is improved for removing the gripping head, but the strength of the locking rod is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval of gripping headVSAvoidlocking rod strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking rod has non-uniform structural properties: the breakable zone is designed with reduced thickness or altered material properties compared to the cylindrical locking portion. This local variation in quality allows the rod to be strong where needed for locking while being easily breakable where required for removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The breakable zone is pre-positioned in the locking rod during manufacturing, preparing the structure for future controlled breaking. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user needs to remove the gripping head, they can simply apply minimal force at the predetermined weak point without damaging other parts of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2134163B1Improvement for identifying animals
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 ITW REYFLEX FRANCE
  • EP2134163B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2134163B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2134163B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an animal identification device (1) constituted by an identification ring comprising a laser or inkjet mark (3a) and/or an electronic transponder (3b) intended to be placed around one of the animal's legs, characterized in that the ring includes an adjusting and a locking means, constituted by at least one locking pin intended to be simultaneously engaged in a locking hole and a retaining hole.