Electrical Connector Marking With Dark Background for Scanner Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling solutions for high voltage electrical connectors face challenges in providing sufficient contrast between the marking and the connector surface, leading to difficulties in accurate scanning by digital scanners, especially under varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laser printing of machine-readable indicia onto the surface of electrical connectors, where a darker background is printed around the indicia to provide sufficient contrast, ensuring legibility to digital scanners regardless of the connector's shade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adhesive labels or embossed markings are used on the connector surface, then the marking can be applied to the connector housing, but the contrast between the marking and the surface is insufficient for accurate scanning by digital scanners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dark background color (black or dark gray) behind the machine-readable indicia to create high contrast with the lighter indicia elements. This color contrast ensures that digital scanners can accurately detect and read the markings regardless of variations in the connector housing color or lighting conditions, thereby resolving the insufficient contrast problem while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a straightforward labeling design.
2Reliability
If laser etching or engraving techniques are used to create machine-readable indicia, then the markings are more permanent, but the contrast between the indicia and the surface remains insufficient for accurate scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser etching/engraving with a dark background color scheme. The laser technique provides permanent, durable markings that resist peeling and degradation, while the dark background color enhances the contrast between the indicia and the surface. This combination ensures both long-term reliability of the markings and sufficient contrast for accurate digital scanning, overcoming the limitations of using either technique alone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a range of orange shades are used for connector housings, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the contrast between the markings and the background varies making it difficult for digital scanners to read all connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dark background color (black or dark gray) for the labeling area that creates high contrast with the lighter machine-readable indicia. This dark background provides a consistent, low-reflectivity base that maintains sufficient contrast across all variations of orange connector housing shades. As a result, manufacturers can use a range of orange shades for design flexibility while digital scanners can reliably read the markings regardless of the specific housing color variation.
4Measurement precision
If more expensive digital code readers are used, then scanning accuracy across various contrast levels is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dark background color scheme that creates high contrast with the lighter indicia, producing a consistent and strong optical signal that is easily detectable by standard, lower-cost digital scanners. This contrast enhancement eliminates the need for expensive, high-sensitivity scanners that can handle low-contrast scenarios, thereby achieving accurate scanning with more economical equipment and reducing overall system cost.
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
This solution ensures accurate and reliable scanning of machine-readable indicia by digital scanners, eliminating the need for higher-cost scanners and reducing material waste by allowing for a range of connector shades without compromising contrast.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving laser printing of machine-readable indicia onto the surface of electrical connectors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents an electrical connector comprising a connector housing with machine-readable indicia printed on its surface. The indicia is bordered by a darker background on the surface, ensuring ample contrast for accurate reading by a digital scanner. This innovative design enhances the readability and reliability of the indicia, facilitating efficient data capture and identification processes.