Data Carrier Edge Coloring via Integrated Inking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing data carriers, such as chip cards, are costly and inefficient due to the need for separate stations for edge coloring and the requirement to store multiple colored foils, which also affect data transmission rates and printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that apply color to the peripheral edge of data carriers during the punching process using an inking device integrated into the female punching unit, eliminating the need for additional coloring stations and allowing for rapid color changes and even application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate coloring stations are used to apply color to data carrier edges, then color application is achieved, but production time increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coloring function with the punching device by integrating a coloring unit into the punching unit. The coloring unit is positioned to apply color to the edge of the data carrier during or immediately after the punching operation, eliminating the need for separate coloring stations and reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coloring operation is performed preliminarily during the punching process itself, rather than as a subsequent separate step. The coloring unit applies color to the freshly punched edge of the data carrier while it is still in position, ensuring that the coloring action occurs at the most efficient moment in the manufacturing sequence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple colored foils are stored in stock for different edge colors, then color variety is achieved, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coloring unit uses a single coloring medium that can be applied in different colors by changing the color parameter of the coloring material. This allows the system to produce data carriers with different edge colors using the same physical infrastructure, eliminating the need to store multiple types of colored foils while maintaining full color variety capability.
3Shape
If colored foils are used for data carriers, then edge color is achieved, but data transmission rates of contactless data carriers are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coloring is applied locally only to the peripheral edge of the data carrier, while the central area containing the contactless data transmission components remains unaffected. This localized approach ensures that the coloring material does not interfere with the data transmission functionality, maintaining reliable communication while still achieving the desired aesthetic edge color.
4Shape
If colored foils are used before printing, then edge color is achieved, but printing quality deteriorates due to decolorization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying color to the foil before printing (which would require subsequent decolorization), the invention inverts the sequence by applying color after the punching operation and after printing is complete. This reversal of the traditional sequence eliminates the need for decolorization steps and ensures optimal printing quality while still achieving the desired edge coloration.
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 approach reduces production time, minimizes storage costs, and maintains data transmission properties by integrating color application directly into the punching process, enabling efficient and cost-effective production with consistent color application.
Implementation Method 1
a punching device having a male punching unit (die) and a female punching unit (die), wherein the female punching unit is provided with an inking device which interacts with the male punching unit in such a way that when the data carrier is punched out and/or when the data carrier is removed from the female punching unit, an inking is applied to a data carrier edge of the punched data carrier
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a data carrier production method and to a processing device (10) for punching data carriers out of a data carrier sheet (2). In the method of the invention, an ink application device (5, 6) applies ink to a circumferential edge (12) of the data carrier (4) in a female die unit (3) of a punching device (1, 3).