Cleaning Component Surface Marking for Permanent Product Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices, such as floor mops, require separate and often manually applied labels for product information, which can be costly, prone to damage, and difficult to update with consecutive numbers or unique identifiers.
Innovation Solution
Integrating product information directly into the cleaning device's components during manufacturing using methods like laser marking or ink-jet printing, eliminating the need for separate labels and allowing for permanent, non-detachable display of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate labels are used for product information, then the information can be applied to cleaning devices, but the labels must be treated as separate components requiring manual or semi-automated application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the product information application process with the manufacturing process of the cleaning device components. The marking device is integrated into the manufacturing line, allowing product information to be applied directly to components during production rather than as a separate post-manufacturing step. This eliminates the need for manual or semi-automated label application and reduces overall process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies product information to cleaning device components during the manufacturing process, before the components are assembled into final products. This preliminary action ensures that marking is integrated into production workflow, allowing for automated processing and eliminating subsequent separate labeling operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate labels are used for product information, then the information can be furnished to cleaning devices, but it is difficult and expensive to furnish consecutive product numbers requiring pre-fabrication in large batches
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is performed during the manufacturing process itself, allowing product numbers to be assigned sequentially as components are produced. This eliminates the need for pre-fabricating large batches with pre-assigned numbers, enabling flexible small-batch production and individual item identification without additional costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing system itself performs the marking function during production, rather than requiring separate labeling operations. The marking device is part of the manufacturing equipment, allowing the system to automatically apply consecutive product numbers as components are made, providing adaptability without additional manufacturing complexity or cost.
3Reliability
If separate labels are used for product information, then the information can be attached to cleaning devices, but the labels can be damaged or detached by use of the cleaning device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the product information directly into the component material through marking processes such as laser marking, inkjet printing, or embossing. This integration ensures that the information becomes an intrinsic part of the component surface, eliminating the possibility of detachment that plagues separate labels. The information survives laundering and use because it is not a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using separate label components that can detach or damage, the patent applies marking directly to the durable component material. The component itself serves as the permanent carrier of information, leveraging the durability of the original material (textile, plastic, etc.) to ensure the information remains intact through laundering and use.
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 easy and permanent marking of cleaning devices with product information, allowing for small batch production and unique identification, with minimal surface alteration and enhanced durability.
Implementation Method 1
A laser could be used as the marking agent. The use of a laser, by utilizing the wavelength of the laser beam, allows adjustment of the contrast of the product information relative to the surrounding areas which have not been treated by the laser.
Implementation Method 2
A laser could be used as the marking agent. The use of a laser, by utilizing the wavelength of the laser beam, allows adjustment of the contrast of the product information relative to the surrounding areas which have not been treated by the laser.
Implementation Method 3
The marking agent could be used to texturally alter areas of the surface, with the textural alterations designed as characters, numbers, or symbols which depict the product information.
Implementation Method 4
The components could also be marked by means of an ink-jet using an acid. Specifically, a jet printer could, at a distance, mark product information upon a surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device (1′, 1″, 1′″) comprising a component (2′, 2″, 2′″) which has associated product information (3). The aim of the invention is to develop and further improve a cleaning device of said type, such that once it has been easily marked with product information, said product permanently carries said product information. The device is characterized in that said component (2′, 2″, 2′″) comprises a surface (2′a, 2″a, 2′″a) in which the product information (3) is intrinsic and/or integral with the material, said product information (3) having been formed by means which are interspaced from said surface (2′a, 2″a, 2′″a).