Mail Processor Identification Plate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing identification plates from mail processing machines at the end of their life are costly in terms of time and manpower, often resulting in polluting residues and requiring specialized tools, especially when the identifiers are engraved, stuck-on labels, or attached via screws or rivets.
Innovation Solution
A mail processing machine housing design featuring a detachable identification plate connected by a peripheral embrittlement zone, allowing manual detachment without creating residues or needing specific tools, with the plate being either engraved or carrying labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the identifier is an engraving, then the identification is permanent and durable, but erasing and recording operations are costly in terms of time and manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The identification plate is segmented from the main housing through peripheral embrittlement zones that create fracture lines. This allows the identifier to remain permanently engraved on the plate while enabling easy separation of the plate itself for disposal, eliminating the need to erase or record information during declassification.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification plate is extracted as a separate detachable component from the housing. The identifier is permanently maintained on the plate, which can be easily removed and handed over to the dealer without requiring any erasing or recording operations on the main housing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the identifier is a stuck-on label, then the identification is easy to apply, but peeling and cleaning operations create waste and require recording information beforehand
Solution Approach 1:
The label is integrated into a detachable identification plate that is segmented from the housing through embrittlement zones. This allows the label to remain attached to the plate during disposal, eliminating the need to peel and clean the housing, and preventing waste of cleaning materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeled identification plate is extracted as a complete unit from the housing. The label remains intact on the removable plate, which is handed over to the dealer without requiring any peeling or cleaning operations on the housing.
3Reliability
If the identifier is an identification plate attached by screws or rivets, then the identification is secure and durable, but removal requires special tools and creates residues
Solution Approach 1:
The identification plate is segmented from the housing through peripheral embrittlement zones that create predetermined fracture lines. This provides secure attachment during use while enabling tool-free removal by applying simple force to break the embrittlement zones, eliminating the need for special tools and avoiding residue creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the housing material are changed in the peripheral zones through embrittlement treatment. This creates zones of reduced strength and increased brittleness that allow easy fracture and detachment without requiring special tools, while the main plate remains securely attached during normal operation.
4Reliability
If the identification plate is permanently fixed, then the identification remains intact throughout the machine life, but removal at end of life creates pollution and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The identification plate is designed as a segmented component with peripheral embrittlement zones that create predetermined fracture lines. This maintains identification integrity during the machine's operational life while enabling clean, tool-free removal at end of life by breaking the embrittlement zones, preventing pollution and eliminating the need for specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters of the housing are modified in peripheral zones through embrittlement treatment, creating a gradient of mechanical properties. This ensures identification integrity during use while enabling easy, clean detachment at end of life without creating pollution or requiring specialized tools.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The case (14) has a rectangular shaped identification plate (16) for identifying a mail processing machine (10) and formed by a part of the case, where the case and the plate are made of plastic material. The part is connected to a remaining part of the case by a peripheral embrittlement zone, whose rupture permits detachment of the identification plate. An identifier e.g. serial number, of the machine is carried on a tag glued on the plate, where the plate is connected to the remaining part by four bridges.