Magnetic Circuit Labeling Kit for Legible Panel Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrical and plumbing systems, identifying specific wires or pipes is challenging due to illegible handwritten notes on breaker panels and complex networks, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for technicians.
Innovation Solution
A color-coded labeling kit with magnetic tags and attachment members that include pre-printed indicia, allowing for easy identification of electrical circuits and pipes, and a customizable schedule for matching codes, facilitating quick association of tags with corresponding attachment members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If handwritten notes are used to identify electrical circuits on breaker panels, then identification information can be provided, but the notes become illegible over time leading to identification failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-printing identification codes on tags before they are attached to circuits. These pre-printed codes remain legible throughout the tag's service life, eliminating the degradation problem of handwritten notes. The tags are prepared in advance with durable printing that resists fading and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating visual replicas of identification information through pre-printed codes on tags. Multiple tags with identical or corresponding codes are distributed to different locations (breaker panel, wire, device), ensuring consistent identification information is available wherever needed, and the printed codes maintain their legibility unlike handwritten alternatives.
2Measurement precision
If color-coded tags and attachment members are used, then identification accuracy is improved, but the kit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using color-coded tags and attachment members where different colors represent different circuits, devices, or identification categories. This visual coding system dramatically improves identification accuracy and speed. The color coding is integrated into the tag design itself, making the system more intuitive than text-only identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional labeling system where tags serve multiple purposes: visual identification through color, coded identification through pre-printed codes, and physical attachment through magnetic or adhesive mechanisms. The attachment members also serve dual functions of securing wires and providing color-coded identification. This consolidation of functions reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Loss of information
If pre-printed indicia are used on tags, then information legibility is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-printing identification codes and information on tags during the manufacturing process rather than requiring field application. This upfront printing ensures consistent, legible information that withstands environmental conditions. The pre-printing is integrated into the tag fabrication process, making it efficient and cost-effective at scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by reproducing identification information through pre-printed codes on tags during manufacturing. This mass reproduction of standardized identification codes is more cost-effective than custom handwriting or field application, while ensuring consistent legibility across all tags in the system.
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 kit enables efficient and accurate identification of electrical circuits and pipes, reducing time and effort for technicians, and ensuring that identifying information remains legible and accessible over time.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic tags with pre-printed indicia thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A kit includes one or more pairs of matching color-coded attachment members and a schedule. The attachment member is configured to be selectively retained to an electrical wire entering an electrical service panel. The corresponding color-coded schedule provides color/pattern coded indicia that is associated with descriptive information regarding the working member to which the attachment member is associated. As such, the color/pattern coded indicia allows a homeowner or technician to readily identify a particular working member to which a given attachment member is attached.