Flexible Hose QR Code Marking for Abrasion-Resistant Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible hoses, including garden hoses and industrial hoses with QR codes, face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, poor abrasion resistance, and difficulty in tracking information once the packaging is discarded, as well as issues with readability when damaged or using outdated readers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hose with QR codes printed using hot transfer technology on a polymeric surface, featuring a textile reinforcement layer and compatible ink, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing, high abrasion resistance, and readability even when damaged or with outdated readers, using standardized QR codes that can be easily scanned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engraving and ink filling is used to create QR codes on hoses, then abrasion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from mechanical engraving and ink filling to direct thermal transfer printing. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining QR code durability through the transfer of ink directly onto the hose surface in a single step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical engraving system with a thermal transfer printing system. Instead of mechanically carving grooves and filling them with ink, the invention uses heat to transfer ink directly onto the hose surface, reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If decorative elements are discarded after packaging, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but information tracking capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the QR code functionality with the hose itself by printing directly on the hose surface. This combines the product (hose) with the information carrier (QR code), eliminating the need for separate decorative packaging elements while maintaining tracking capability throughout the product lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose surface serves multiple functions: it provides the structural function of the hose while also serving as the substrate for the QR code. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate packaging elements and ensures information tracking capability is integrated into the product itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If QR codes are printed on packaging, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but readability after packaging disposal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the QR code with the hose product by printing directly on the hose surface. This ensures the QR code remains attached to and readable from the hose throughout its entire service life, eliminating the problem of QR code unavailability after packaging disposal.
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 enables a cost-effective, durable, and easily readable QR code on flexible hoses, ensuring continued access to information even after prolonged use or damage, with high print quality and flexibility in hose sizes.
Implementation Method 1
QR codes printed using hot transfer technology on a polymeric surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A flexible hose for the transportation of liquids or fluids comprising at least one layer (10) with an exposed surface (11) made of a first polymeric material, the at least one layer (10) comprising at least one QR code (40) according to the ISO/IEC 18004:2000(E) standard. The at least one QR code (40) includes at least one ink layer (41) printed on at least one portion (12) of the exposed surface (11) of the hose, the ink being compatible with the first polymeric material.