Data Carrier Edge Coloring via Surface Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing data carriers, such as IC cards, require extensive efforts and time to achieve the desired color for the edges, leading to increased inventory needs, prolonged production times, and compromised mechanical properties due to the use of colored fillers in plastic materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of plastic materials without colored fillers, where a desired color is applied directly to the circumferential edge of the data carrier body, using techniques like spraying, spinning tools, or adhesive-coated color foils, allowing for easy color adaptation and improved mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If colored fillers are used in plastic sheet material to achieve desired edge color, then the color matching is achieved, but the mechanical properties of the data carrier deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the coloring function from the structural plastic material by applying color only to the circumferential edge through spraying, spinning tools, or adhesive-coated foils, rather than mixing color fillers throughout the entire plastic sheet. This segmentation allows the bulk material to maintain its mechanical strength while only the edge surface receives color treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies color treatment locally only to the circumferential edge of the data carrier body, leaving the rest of the plastic material unchanged. This local quality approach ensures that the mechanical properties of the main body remain intact while achieving the desired colored edge appearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different colored sheets are kept in inventory to produce data carriers with different edge colors, then color variety is achieved, but the inventory requirements and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single universal white or transparent plastic sheet material for all data carriers, regardless of the desired edge color. The color variety is achieved through the subsequent application step using different colored sprays, spinning tools, or adhesive foils, making the base material multi-functional for producing various colored edges without requiring separate colored sheets for each color variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs the coloring action as a preliminary or intermediate step after cutting the data carrier bodies from the plastic sheets but before final assembly. This timing allows the base material to remain uniform and uncolored during storage and cutting operations, simplifying inventory management, and then applies the specific color needed for each data carrier variant in the coloring step.
3Shape
If colored fillers are mixed into plastic material to achieve desired edge color, then the color is achieved, but the production time and efforts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the production process into distinct stages: first producing uniform white or transparent plastic sheets, then cutting data carrier bodies from these sheets, and finally applying color to the edges in a separate step. This segmentation eliminates the time-consuming color matching and mixing process that would be required if colored fillers were incorporated into the plastic material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of color application from a material composition parameter (mixing fillers during plastic production) to a surface treatment parameter (applying color after cutting). This parameter change allows for rapid color switching by simply changing the spray color, spinning tool color, or adhesive foil color, rather than requiring time-consuming reformulation and reprocessing of the plastic material.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a data carrier, in particular formed as an IC card. At least one flat layer (2) each made of a desired plastic material is provided, the color of the at least one layer (2) being a result of the desired plastic material. A substantially flat data carrier body (1) is manufactured from the at least one flat layer (2), the data carrier having a circumferential edge (3). Finally, a desired color on the circumferential edge (3) of the data carrier body (1) is applied.