Deformable Ear Tag Axial Wall for Pin Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear tags for livestock identification face difficulties in pin installation due to the irreversible interlocking mechanism, making the process challenging and delicate, especially at low temperatures, and there is a need for a simpler structure to reduce production costs without compromising the connection quality.
Innovation Solution
The ear tag features a radially deformable axial wall in the holding shell with a chamber to facilitate pin insertion and prevent withdrawal, using a hard material for the head and a flexible material for the shell, along with a connecting shell for easy assembly, and optional electronic identification means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If irreversible interlocking mechanism is used for pin installation, then connection reliability is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial wall of the holding shell is designed to be radially deformable, allowing it to dynamically change shape during pin insertion. The wall deforms radially outward to accommodate the pin passage, then returns to its initial position to provide the holding shoulder, enabling both easy installation and reliable retention through a single dynamic component
Solution Approach 2:
The holding shell's axial wall changes its physical state between deformed and undeformed configurations. During insertion, the wall is in a deformed state with increased radial dimension to allow pin passage; after insertion, it returns to the undeformed state to provide the holding shoulder, utilizing parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between ease of installation and connection reliability
2Ease of operation
If elastic deformation means are added to facilitate pin passage, then installation ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic deformation function directly into the axial wall of the holding shell itself, rather than adding separate elastic components. The axial wall is made of radially deformable material that inherently provides both the passage facilitation and the holding shoulder functions, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining installation ease
Solution Approach 2:
The radially deformable axial wall serves multiple functions: it facilitates pin passage during insertion through radial deformation, provides the holding shoulder for irreversible interlocking, and protects the punch from withdrawal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate elastic components, reducing device complexity while improving installation ease
3Ease of manufacture
If structural simplification is implemented to reduce production costs, then manufacturing ease is improved, but connection quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holding shell is segmented into distinct functional zones: the radially deformable axial wall for passage facilitation, the chamber for accommodating deformation, and the end face providing the holding shoulder. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity and connection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The holding shell utilizes composite material construction with the axial wall made of radially deformable material and other portions made of rigid material. This composite approach enables the deformable wall to facilitate easy pin insertion while the rigid portions maintain structural integrity and connection quality, achieving both manufacturing ease and reliable connection
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 design simplifies and speeds up the installation process while maintaining the irreversible connection quality, ensuring reliable pin retention and accommodating electronic identification features.
Implementation Method 1
the axial wall of the holding shell that delimits said opening is radially deformable... This chamber constitutes a reserve for accommodating the axial wall of the holding shell when it is deformed under the action of the passage of the punch through said opening. The return to the initial position of the axial wall of the holding shell protects the punch from being withdrawn
Data Source
AI summary
In a tag for identifying and marking animals, the tag associates a receiver button (1) by irreversible fitting of a finger (2). The button (1) includes a head (13) wherein is provided a cavity (8) for receiving a punch (3) of the finger (2). The head (13) is secured to a shell (5) retaining the punch (3) which is provided with an opening (6) for introducing the punch (3) inside the button (1). The axial wall (7) of the retaining shell (5) delimiting the opening (6) is radially deformable. A chamber (11) is arranged between the head (13) and the axial wall (7) for receiving the latter (7) deformed under the effect of the punch (3) passing through the opening (6).