Displaceable Covering Plate for Bar Code Label Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bar code labels on signs used for installations are prone to degradation from environmental factors like sun, wind, rain, and sand storms, making them unreadable over time, especially in desert areas.
Innovation Solution
A sign design featuring a displaceable covering plate that protects the bar code label from environmental damage and vandalism, with a springy locking member to secure the plate in a protective position and allow easy access for reading, integrated into the sign's structure without altering its appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bar code label is exposed on the sign for automatic reading, then accessibility for reading is improved, but the bar code label deteriorates due to environmental factors like sun, wind, rain, and sand storms
Solution Approach 1:
The covering plate is made displaceable along the base profile, allowing it to move between a protective position (covering the bar code label) and an accessible position (allowing reading). This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by enabling both protection and accessibility at different times through simple lateral movement along the profile.
2Reliability
If a covering plate is added to protect the bar code label, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering plate serves multiple functions: it protects the bar code label from environmental damage, maintains the sign's aesthetic appearance by covering the label when not in use, and can be easily displaced when reading is required. The springy locking member provides automatic retention without requiring complex mechanisms. By making the covering plate displaceable along the existing base profile, the design avoids adding significant structural complexity while achieving reliable protection.
3Reliability
If the covering plate is fixed in position to protect the bar code label, then durability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to access the label for reading
Solution Approach 1:
The covering plate is designed to be displaceable rather than fixed, allowing it to move laterally along the base profile between a protective position and an accessible position. The springy locking member ensures the plate remains securely in place during normal operation while allowing intentional displacement when reading is required. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable protection and ease of access on demand.
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
The solution effectively shields the bar code label from environmental influences and vandalism, ensuring its durability and rapid accessibility when needed, maintaining the sign's overall appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is springy and is intended to be clamped to the base profile by engagement with the first and second over-folded edge portions
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A sign comprising: an elongated base profile (2) with a bottom portion (3) and two longitudinal over-folded edge portions (4a, 4b); one or more sign elements (8) which are received in the base profile (2); a bar code label (10) on the front side (6) of the bottom portion; and - a covering plate (11 ) which is displaceably received in the base profile (2) and arranged on the front side of the bottom portion at the side of the sign elements, this covering plate being displaceable in relation to the bottom portion (3) to and fro between a first displacement position, in which the covering plate (11 ) is located on the bar code label (10) and thereby protectingly covers the bar code label, and a second displacement position, in which the covering plate (11 ) is located at the side of the barcode label (10) and thereby leaves the bar code label accessible for reading.