Marked Tool Chain Links for Property Identification and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool chains lack a reliable method for identifying properties such as type, value, length, and authenticity, which is crucial for maintenance, repair, and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A tool chain with marked chain links that contain information markings, where the spatial sequence of these markings determines a logical sequence forming overall information for identifying the property of the tool chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If information markings are added to chain links for identification, then the ability to identify tool chain properties is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification information is segmented across multiple chain links rather than concentrated in one location. Each marked chain link carries a portion of the overall information (e.g., individual digits or characters), and the complete identification is formed by reading the sequence of information across the marked links in order. This segmentation allows the identification system to be distributed throughout the chain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Only specific chain links are marked with information rather than all links. The marked links have the additional information feature (elevated, recessed, or colored markings), while unmarked links maintain the standard chain structure. This local application of information markings reduces overall complexity while still enabling full identification capability.
2Reliability
If multiple marked chain links with information are used to form overall identification, then protection against counterfeiting is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-counterfeiting information is divided into multiple segments distributed across different chain links. Each marked link contains a portion of the identification code (e.g., individual digits or characters), and the complete unique identification is only formed when all marked links are read in sequence. This segmentation makes counterfeiting more difficult while keeping individual manufacturing steps relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The information markings use physical parameter changes (elevation, recession, or color) that are easy to apply during manufacturing but create a complex overall identification system. These parameter changes can be applied using existing manufacturing processes while still achieving high security through the combination of multiple marked links.
3Ease of operation
If information markings are made large enough to be easily seen, then ease of operation for reading information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The readable information markings are applied locally to specific chain links rather than requiring changes to the entire chain structure. Each marked link has the information feature (elevation, recession, or color) applied only where needed, maintaining standard chain structure elsewhere and reducing overall complexity while ensuring readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes as one of the marking methods to provide easily readable information. Colored markings on the chain links offer high visual contrast and readability without requiring complex physical modifications to the chain structure, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool chain has a plurality of chain links arranged in a row, wherein the plurality of chain links include at least two marked chain links. The marked chain links each have information, wherein at least one spatial sequence of the information together determines a logical sequence of at least the information. The logical sequence of at least the information forms overall information for identifying a property of the tool chain.