Marking Device With Movable Receiving Device For Information Carriers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking devices are inefficient for marking large quantities of information carriers with varying geometries, as they require manual placement and are limited by fixed dimensions, making them time-consuming and unsuitable for marking diverse sizes.

Innovation Solution

A marking device with a receiving device that can move horizontally between loading and marking positions, a positioning device for vertical movement within the marking space, and a transport device for automatic handling and storage, allowing for flexible adaptation to different information carriers and enabling both manual and automatic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual information carriers are inserted manually into a holder in the marking chamber, then flexibility regarding the size of identification plates is improved, but the time required for precise positioning increases, making marking devices suitable only for small quantities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility regarding sizeVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable receiving device that can be positioned horizontally between a loading position outside the marking area and a marking position inside the marking area. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different information carrier sizes while enabling automatic handling to reduce positioning time. The receiving device moves along guides with a movable stop that can be adjusted to accommodate various geometries of information carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If information carriers are transported manually onto the support surface, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases when marking large quantities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling mechanismVSAvoidmarking throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic transport and positioning functions where the receiving device automatically moves information carriers from the storage magazine to the marking position and back. The system includes automatic transport along guides and vertical positioning mechanisms that operate without manual intervention, enabling high-volume marking while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed dimensions of a recess in the turntable are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different information carrier sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structureVSAvoidsize accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed recess turntable with a movable receiving device that can be positioned horizontally between loading and marking positions. The receiving device includes a movable stop that can be adjusted to accommodate different information carrier geometries. This dynamic configuration allows the system to handle various sizes while maintaining a relatively simple support structure based on linear guides and adjustable positioning elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables quick and efficient marking of multiple information carriers with varying dimensions, reducing manual handling time and increasing productivity by allowing automatic operation and flexible adaptation to different types and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a marking laser as the marking unit, although the invention is not limited to this

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the marking can be achieved by discoloration (carbonization), foaming, engraving, or material removal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3122562B1Marking device
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3122562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3122562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3122562B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a marking device (1) for marking information carriers (2), comprising a housing (3), a marking unit (4), a marking region (5) formed inside the housing (3), and a holding device (6) for holding at least one information carrier (2), wherein the holding device (6) is able to move between a loading and unloading position outside the marking region (5) and a marking position inside the marking region (5). Using the marking device (1) according to the invention, different information carriers can be easily and quickly marked thereby, by the fact that there is a feed magazine (7) for accommodating a plurality of information carriers (2) to be marked, a deposit magazine (8) for depositing a plurality of marked information carriers (2), a conveyor device (9) and a positioning device, wherein an information carrier (2) can be taken from the feed magazine (7) into a first lower level in the marking region (5) by means of the conveyor device (9), wherein the first level is arranged below the holding device (6), the information carrier (2) can be moved vertically between the first lower level in the marking region (5) and the marking position in a second upper level in the marking region (5) by the positioning device, and the information carrier (2) can be taken from the first lower level in the marking region (5) to the deposit magazine (8) by means of the conveyor device (9).