Ear Tag Mandrel Transverse Movement for Tamper-Resistant Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear tags for farm animals have security shortcomings, allowing easy removal and tampering, as the removal head is exposed after piercing, making it possible to push the mandrel back through the hole and reuse the tag.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a transversely oriented movement component between the removal head and mandrel, ensuring the sample is moved sideways out of the mandrel's path, preventing it from being taken through the hole and allowing for secure anchoring with a protective cap, while also integrating cutting mechanisms like conical surfaces and needle arrangements for effective sample removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the removal head is exposed behind the hole after mandrel engagement, then sample removal is enabled, but tampering protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a transverse movement component to the mandrel's path, changing it from a purely linear axial movement to a two-dimensional path that includes lateral displacement. This dimensional change allows the mandrel to deposit the sample in a location that is accessible for removal but not directly behind the hole where tampering could occur, thus resolving the contradiction between sample accessibility and tampering protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the transverse movement of the mandrel as an intermediary mechanism between sample deposition and final sample location. Instead of the mandrel simply pushing the sample directly behind the hole, the lateral displacement acts as an intermediary step that places the sample in a secure location while maintaining accessibility, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of security and operability.
2Reliability
If the mandrel is anchored securely in the hole with protective cap, then tampering protection is improved, but sample removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing lateral movement to the mandrel's path, the invention creates a spatial separation between the hole location (where the protective cap can be applied) and the sample deposition location (which remains accessible via transverse access). This dimensional change allows both tampering protection through cap sealing and sample removal accessibility to coexist.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ear tag designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but security against tampering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic movement characteristics to the mandrel, transforming it from a static piercing tool to a dynamically controlled device that executes a specific transverse movement path. This dynamic element is integrated into the existing ear tag structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding the security function through controlled motion during the tagging operation.
Data Source
AI summary
To attach an ear tag (6, 10) to an ear (16) and to remove a sample (22) containing tissue of the ear therefrom, a mandrel (8), which is fastened to a mandrel region (6) of the ear tag, is brought by means of pliers (1) on a first movement path through the ear (16) into a hole (12) formed in a hole part (10) of the ear tag and anchored there, while the sample (22) is taken with the aid of a removal head (17) and is brought out of engagement with the hole (12) by interaction with the mandrel (8) with a movement component oriented transversely to the first movement path, before the mandrel (8) is anchored in said hole.