Reusable Magnetic Tag for Non-Piercing Bag Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tags used for tracking and securing online purchases, such as Internet bags, often damage the items they are attached to and can allow contaminants into sealed packaging, while also being costly and requiring additional training for staff to use.
Innovation Solution
A non-piercing tag with gripping portions and a magnetic locking mechanism that allows easy attachment and removal without damaging the item, using a pin and magnetic clutch for secure locking and release, and incorporating RFID or QR code for tracking and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard security tags with pins are used to attach to garments, then the tag can be securely attached and tracked, but the pins pierce and damage the garment and risk allowing contaminants into the sealed bag
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful piercing function is extracted from the tag system. Instead of using pins that pierce the garment, the invention uses a non-piercing tag that attaches to the exterior of the sealed bag containing the garment, thereby eliminating the damage and contamination risk while maintaining secure attachment and tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed bag acts as an intermediary between the tag and the garment. The tag attaches to the bag rather than directly to the garment, and the bag's seal prevents contaminants from entering. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling secure tag attachment without direct contact between the tag's attachment mechanism and the garment
2Reliability
If disposable self-adhesive RFID tags are used on Internet bags, then tracking is enabled, but the packaging cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is designed to be reusable rather than disposable. The magnetic attachment mechanism allows the tag to be easily removed and reattached to different bags, enabling the same tag to serve multiple customers and items. This recovers the value of the tag across multiple uses, significantly reducing the per-item packaging cost compared to disposable RFID tags
Solution Approach 2:
The tag is designed as a universal attachment device that can be used on any sealed bag regardless of the item inside. The magnetic gripping mechanism provides universal applicability across different bag types and sizes, allowing a single tag design to replace multiple specialized tags and reduce overall packaging expenses
3Ease of operation
If a non-piercing tag with magnetic locking is used, then the tag can be easily attached and removed without damaging the item, but the device complexity increases compared to simple adhesive tags
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical locking mechanisms of traditional security tags are replaced with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic force provides secure attachment without complex latches, springs, or multiple moving parts. This substitution maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing device complexity compared to conventional security tags
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic tag attaches and detaches through simple user action without requiring complex activation mechanisms. The magnetic force naturally holds the tag in place during normal handling, and simple separation occurs when the user pulls the tag away. This self-servicing magnetic system eliminates the need for complex locking and unlocking mechanisms required by traditional security tags
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
Ensures efficient tracking and security of items without damaging them, reduces costs, and allows for easy reuse of tags, maintaining existing staff familiarity and training requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic clutch allows said elongate member to move into engagement with said clutch but preventing said elongate member from being removed from engagement with said clutch without releasing said clutch using a magnetic release device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A tag for attaching to an item such as a bag containing goods is disclosed. The tag has two body portions each of which have a gripping portion for gripping the bag. The body portions are adapted to move the gripping portions towards and away from each other between a gripping condition for gripping the bag without piercing it and an open condition in which the bag can be inserted into and removed from the tag. There is also a locking device in the form of a pin and magnetic clutch which allows the tag to lock in the closed position and then be released by a magnetic release device.