Portable Data Carrier Edge Coloring via Localized Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing portable data carriers with colored or personalized edges are elaborate, non-standardized, and prone to color bleeding, requiring complex printing processes and additional lacquering or adhesive-coated foils, which increase costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method that changes the geometry of the edge of a portable data carrier to allow for standardized printing and personalization without relocating the data carrier, using suitable printing or laser methods to create a colored or marked edge, such as a pad printing or laser marking, enabling faster and more cost-efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If colored foils are printed planarly from both sides, then a colored edge is achieved, but the printing process becomes elaborate and color consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printing operation from the traditional planar printing of colored foils and relocates it to edge-specific printing. By applying color only to the edge region rather than the entire foil surface, the process complexity is reduced and color consumption is minimized while still achieving the desired colored edge effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different regions of the data carrier. The edge region receives color treatment while the outer sides remain unaffected. This localized approach eliminates the need for elaborate full-surface printing processes and reduces material consumption.
2Ease of manufacture
If several portable data carriers are stacked for edge printing, then the edges can be printed, but color may run between data carriers and dye the outer sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by confining the printing operation strictly to the edge region of each data carrier. The printing apparatus is configured to apply color only where the edges are exposed during stacking, preventing color from reaching the outer sides even when data carriers are in direct contact. This spatially selective approach eliminates color bleeding issues.
3Ease of manufacture
If the data carrier is swiveled or rotated to work on the edge, then the edge can be printed, but the manufacturing process becomes slower and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating or swiveling the data carrier to access the edge, the invention inverts the approach by bringing the printing apparatus to the edge region. The printing device is configured to move along or around the stacked data carriers, applying color to edges without requiring any repositioning of the data carriers themselves. This maintains continuous processing and maximizes productivity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive-coated foils or additional lacquering are used, then bonding problems are solved, but the process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bonding requirement from the overall manufacturing process by applying color only to the exposed edge region where foils are visible. Since the coloring operation occurs after assembly and only on the perimeter, there is no need for additional bonding steps or protective lacquering. The edge printing is performed on already-assembled carriers, eliminating the need for adhesive-coated foils.
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 standardized and efficient manufacturing of portable data carriers with colored or personalized edges, allowing for simultaneous work on the edge and outer sides without relocating the data carrier, reducing production time and costs while enhancing visibility and recognition of the edge markings.
Implementation Method 1
the edge is worked on by marking the edge by means of a laser method
Implementation Method 2
the edge is worked on by printing the edge by means of a printing method. Any suitable printing method comes into consideration for the printing method, such as e. g. a pad printing method
Data Source
AI summary
A method for changing a geometry of an edge of a portable data carrier, wherein the geometry of the edge is changed in order to work on the edge and the outer side of the data carrier proceeding from a common side, without a spatial location of the data carrier being changed.