Fixation-Dependent Ink for Safety Glazing Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for identifying safety glazing, such as tempered glass, lack flexibility and permanence, especially when applied to large sheets that are cut into smaller pieces, leading to obscured or omitted markings, and existing solutions can be unsightly or non-durable.
Innovation Solution
A system using a self-inking stamp apparatus with fixation-dependent ink that transitions from temporary to permanent upon application, allowing for easy and flexible marking on the edge or surface of safety glazing materials like tempered glass, heat-strengthened glass, plastic, or ceramic, without compromising structural integrity or visual clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional identification methods (etches, labels, stickers) are applied to safety glazing, then manufacturer information and ANSI ratings can be identified, but the markings may be obscured or omitted when large sheets are cut into smaller pieces, and labels may be less durable, removable, or unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The identification marking is segmented into multiple portions distributed across different edges of the safety glazing. This ensures that when large sheets are cut into smaller pieces, at least one complete identification marking remains visible on the resulting smaller panes, resolving the issue of obscured or omitted markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification marking is applied on the edge surfaces of the safety glazing rather than on the flat viewing surfaces. This dimensional change allows markings to remain visible and accessible regardless of how the glass is cut or assembled, while also preventing obstruction of the visual field through the glass.
2Ease of manufacture
If labels are used to identify safety glazing, then information can be applied after manufacturing, but labels may be removable, subject to wear, or non-transparent
Solution Approach 1:
The identification marking is applied to the safety glazing before the tempering process. The marking materials are specifically selected to withstand the high temperatures and chemical environment of tempering, ensuring the markings become permanently integrated with the glass surface and cannot be removed or degraded by subsequent manufacturing steps or normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking materials undergo parameter changes to match the chemical composition and physical properties of the glass substrate. The materials are designed to have compatible thermal expansion coefficients and chemical stability with the glass, allowing them to survive the tempering process and become permanently bonded to the glass surface.
3Reliability
If permanent identification is applied to the surface of safety glazing, then compliance with safety codes is achieved, but the natural beauty and visual clarity of the glass may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The identification markings are applied on the edge surfaces of the safety glazing rather than on the flat viewing surfaces. This positions the markings in a location where they do not obstruct the visual field or reduce the light transmission through the glass, maintaining the aesthetic quality and transparency of the glass while still providing required identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification marking materials are applied with controlled thickness and opacity specifically optimized for edge surface application. The markings are made sufficiently visible for compliance inspection but are localized to edge areas where they do not interfere with the visual clarity or natural beauty of the glass when viewed from the front or back surfaces.
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
Enables permanent and durable identification markings on safety glazing that are easy to apply, flexible in number and location, and do not impede the natural beauty of the glass, ensuring compliance with safety codes and maintaining the glass's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The fixation technique may include, but is not limited to, heat, light, or chemical treatment
Implementation Method 2
The fixation technique may include, but is not limited to, heat, light, or chemical treatment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed involving safety glazing identification markings, such as for identification of the manufacturer and of the manufacturing details or standards to which the safety glazing was manufactured. Aspects include marking a safety glazing on its edge, marking a safety glazing using a self-inking stamp apparatus, and marking a safety glazing using a fixation-dependent ink that goes from being temporary to being permanent upon being affixed to the safety glazing by using a fixation technique, such as tempering. A system may use a stamp apparatus to apply the marking using a fixation-dependent ink that initially is temporary and removable before fixation; and then may affix the marking by applying a fixation technique to the fixation-dependent ink to affix the ink to the glazing and cause the ink to become permanently affixed to the glazing.