Disposable Marking Panel With Multi-Modal Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking panels for identifying field personnel are cumbersome, time-consuming to attach and detach, and lack adaptability, especially in low-light conditions, and may inadvertently attract enemy attention or fail to clearly communicate affiliation.

Innovation Solution

The development of marking panels with multi-modal anchoring mechanisms, including magnets and elastic loops, that allow quick and secure attachment to various surfaces, combined with optical enhancer attachment sites for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, and an insignia for clear identification of affiliation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal flares are used as visual markers, then personnel position can be effectively identified and tracked from aerial position, but the personnel must carry multiple flares which adds weight and may attract enemy attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification effectivenessVSAvoidweight of carried flares

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable adhesive marking panels that can be quickly attached and left behind as permanent markers. These panels are inexpensive, lightweight alternatives to signal flares, providing long-lasting visual identification without the need to carry multiple consumable flares. The panels adhere to surfaces and remain in place indefinitely, eliminating the weight burden of carrying replacement flares.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If brightly colored patch with parachute cords is used as visual marker, then the marker can be tied to structures for identification, but two hands are required and it takes relatively long period of time to affix the marker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker attachmentVSAvoidtime to affix marker

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tying system (parachute cords requiring manual knot-tying) with an adhesive system. The marking panels have adhesive backing that allows single-handed, rapid attachment to any surface by simply pressing the panel onto the target. This eliminates the need for hands-free operation and dramatically reduces the time required to deploy the marker from minutes to seconds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of visual markers are carried to account for possible situations, then various scenarios can be covered, but mobility is reduced and carrier is overburdened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescenario coverageVSAvoidweight of carried markers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal marking panel that can be used in all scenarios - whether marking personnel position, identifying extraction points, or marking vehicles. The adhesive design allows the same panel type to be attached to any surface (ground, vehicles, structures), and the high-visibility colors provide effective identification in all lighting conditions. This single versatile tool replaces the need to carry multiple specialized markers for different situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Illumination intensity

If signal flare is used in low-light situations, then personnel position can be identified, but the flare must be timed properly and is consumable with short duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility in low-lightVSAvoidmarker duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable adhesive marking panels that provide permanent, long-duration visual identification. Unlike consumable signal flares that burn for only seconds or minutes, these panels remain attached and visible indefinitely, providing continuous identification without requiring replacement or precise timing. The panels are lightweight and can be carried in abundance without burdening the carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 rapid and secure identification of field personnel in various environments and lighting conditions, reducing the risk of misidentification and improving safety by providing perpetual visibility and clear communication of affiliation.

Implementation Method 1

The pocket can contain a magnet for selectively affixing the marking panel to a ferromagnetic object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10529257B1Marking panel

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 RE FACTOR TACTICAL LLC

AI summary

Marking panels for the identification of field personnel can include (i) a first side, (ii) a second side transverse to the first side and intersecting the first side at a junction, (iii) a front surface at least partially defined by the first and second sides and which includes an insignia, (iv) a rear surface opposite the front surface and at least partially defined by the first and second sides and which includes an optical enhancer attachment site, and (v) a first multi-modal anchoring mechanism disposed proximate the junction of the first and second sides. The first multi-modal anchoring mechanism can include a pocket; a fixed loop, and a selectively attachable loop. The pocket can contain a magnet for selectively affixing the marking panel to a ferromagnetic object.