Metal Workpiece Marking for Individual Lifecycle Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marking technologies on metallic workpieces, such as containers, lack uniqueness and cannot track or trace individual pieces throughout their lifecycle, including production, distribution, and recycling, leading to inefficiencies and fraud in recycling programs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for applying a unique mark on metallic workpieces using various marking technologies like CIJ, DoD inkjet printing, laser etching, and digital printing, which can be scanned at different stages of the manufacturing and recycling process, allowing for tracking from production to end-of-life collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional marking technologies are used on metallic workpieces, then marking can be applied, but the marks lack uniqueness and cannot track individual pieces throughout their lifecycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the marking system into multiple components: a base mark applied during manufacturing and a secondary mark applied later in the supply chain. This segmentation allows each mark to serve a specific tracking purpose at different stages, enabling comprehensive lifecycle tracking while maintaining reliability through the combination of both marks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a base mark to the metallic workpiece during the manufacturing process before it enters the supply chain. This preliminary marking action ensures that every piece is identified from the outset, enabling continuous tracking throughout its lifecycle and preventing information loss
2Manufacturing precision
If no individual tracking marks are applied, then production lines operate efficiently, but deficiencies cannot be traced to specific equipment or bodymakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with optical scanning and digital database management. Marks are applied using automated marking devices and read using optical scanners, with data stored in databases for efficient retrieval and analysis, thereby maintaining productivity while enabling precise deficiency tracing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where marks on metallic workpieces are scanned at various points in the production and supply chain, data is recorded in databases, and this information is used to trace deficiencies back to specific equipment or bodymakers, enabling continuous improvement while maintaining efficiency
3Reliability
If recycling programs lack individual tracking, then recycling collection is simple, but fraud cannot be prevented and recycling rates cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical scanning to create digital copies of the physical marks on metallic workpieces. These digital copies are stored in databases and can be repeatedly accessed and analyzed without adding physical complexity to the recycling process, enabling accurate measurement of recycling rates while preventing fraud through digital verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal marking and tracking system that serves multiple functions: identification during manufacturing, tracking through the supply chain, verification in recycling programs, and data collection for analysis. This multi-functional approach prevents fraud and enables accurate recycling rate measurement without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 efficient tracking and tracing of metallic workpieces, reducing production line inefficiencies, preventing fraud in recycling programs, and improving recycling rates by providing accurate data on recycling rates and consumer incentives.
Implementation Method 1
the marker is a laser and the marker forms the mark by laser etching or ablation of the continuous sheet
Implementation Method 2
the marker is a continuous inkjet (CIJ) marker and the marker forms the mark by inkjet printing of the continuous sheet
Implementation Method 3
the marker is a drop-on-demand (DoD) inkjet marker and the marker forms the mark by inkjet printing of the continuous sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for marking a metallic workpiece for tracking and tracing the metallic workpiece throughout its production and consumer lifecycle are disclosed. The mark may be formed on a sheet of a metallic material. In some embodiments, a bodymaker forms a cup from a blank cut from the sheet into the metallic workpiece with the mark positioned on a closed end of the metallic workpiece. The mark is scanned for tracking and tracing at various points during the production of the metallic workpiece and during the lifecycle of the metallic workpiece, such as at a point of filling, point of sale and a collection point where the metallic workpiece is recycled or destroyed. Information collected as the mark is scanned provides valuable information that can be used to improve the manufacturing process, strategic production and distribution, incentivize recycling of the metallic workpiece, and to improve deposit return programs.