Cartridge Identity Code Marking with Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking identity codes on cartridges result in unreadable codes due to inappropriate printing locations, external impurities, poor color contrast, and rotation, leading to production losses and rejections during quality checks and data verification.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a polymeric film with an eye mark and multiple identity codes printed in a defined location, providing clear color contrast and visibility, which is scanned efficiently by external devices, and using a hot air blower and air knife to remove impurities before scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identity codes are marked on cartridges using existing methods, then the marking process is simple, but the codes become unreadable due to inappropriate printing locations and external impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cleaning the cartridge surface with a blower and air knife before marking the identity code. This removes dust, oil, and other impurities that would interfere with code readability, ensuring the code is marked on a clean surface and remains readable throughout storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by marking the identity code at a specific defined location on the cartridge, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the end, rather than at random positions. This consistent location ensures the code is within the scanning range of automated equipment and maintains readability.
2Reliability
If identity codes are marked at specific locations to enable scanning, then code readability improves, but printing position shifts cause rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a defined location for marking identity codes, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the end of the cartridge. This consistent local positioning ensures codes are marked at the same relative position each time, maintaining manufacturing precision while ensuring scanability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an eye mark or reference feature that provides feedback to the marking system about the correct position. This reference feature ensures the identity code is marked at the precise location needed for scanning, preventing position shifts that would cause rejection.
3Productivity
If cartridges undergo further processing, then production volume increases, but external impurities make codes unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cleaning the cartridge surface with a blower and air knife before marking the identity code. This removes dust, oil, and other impurities that would interfere with code readability, ensuring the code is marked on a clean surface and remains readable throughout storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing impurities from adhering to the cartridge surface in the first place. The blower and air knife create a controlled cleaning environment that counteracts the natural accumulation of dust and contaminants during production, maintaining code readability.
4Ease of operation
If cartridges rotate during handling, then handling flexibility improves, but identity code position shifts make scanning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a defined location for marking identity codes, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the end of the cartridge. This consistent local positioning ensures codes are marked at the same relative position each time, maintaining manufacturing precision while ensuring scanability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the identity code relative to the cartridge geometry, placing it at a specific distance from the end rather than at the center or edge. This asymmetric placement creates a reference point that helps maintain code readability even when cartridges rotate or shift during handling.
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
Ensures accurate online scanning and verification of identity codes, reducing production losses and ensuring data integrity by maintaining code readability and visibility despite external impurities and rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a hot air blower to blow hot air over the cartridge to remove external impurities such as dust, oil, dirt, water etc. from the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
a 360-degree circular air knife or air curtain before scanning the identity codes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (100) for marking unique identity codes (10) on a cartridge (20). The method (100) includes printing multiple unique identity codes (10) on a predefined location (20a) over the cartridge (20). The unique identity codes (10) are marked on the polymeric film (30) in such a way that the unique identity codes (10) are visible along a circumferential area (40g) of the cylindrical cartridge (20).