Cotton Bale Sample Identification Coupon Wrapping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing cotton bale samples fail to securely fasten identification information to the sample during shipping, classification, and grading, leading to the separation of identification information from the sample.

Innovation Solution

Wrapping an elongate substrate with identification information completely around the cotton bale sample, ensuring the identification information remains associated with the sample and maintaining its integrity throughout the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a USDA-AMS Cotton Identification Coupon is placed between the two sample sections, then the sample can be identified with the bale, but the identification coupon becomes misplaced or separated from the sample during shipping and delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification informationVSAvoidassociation between identification information and sample

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the identification coupon with the sample by wrapping the coupon around the sample sections and securing them together. This merging ensures that the identification information remains permanently associated with the sample throughout shipping and delivery, eliminating the problem of separation while maintaining the integrity of both components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wrapping material or band as an intermediary element that secures the identification coupon to the sample. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable association between the identification information and sample while allowing the sample to be properly identified with the bale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the sample is placed in a bag with other samples, then the samples can be transported together, but the identification information on the bag becomes misplaced or separated from the sample

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping efficiencyVSAvoididentification information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identification information directly with the sample by wrapping the identification coupon around the sample sections. This ensures that even when samples are placed in bags for efficient transport, the identification information remains securely attached to the sample and cannot become misplaced or separated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the sample is unrolled before conditioning, then the sample can be processed, but the identification information may be separated from the sample

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processingVSAvoidassociation between identification information and sample

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the identification coupon with the sample through wrapping, creating a unified assembly that maintains its integrity during unrolling and processing. This merging ensures that the identification information remains reliably associated with the sample even when the sample is unrolled for conditioning and processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9599544B2Method and apparatus for preparing a bale sample from a bale of fibrous material, and a bale sample produced thereby

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 LANGSTON COMPANIES INC

AI summary

A method for preparing a bale sample, a bale sampling apparatus, and a bale sample are provided. The method includes the steps of removing a portion from a bale of fibrous material and wrapping an elongated substrate completely around the portion to form a bale sample. The elongated substrate includes identification information. The identification information includes information that associates the bale sample with the bale of fibrous material.