Integrated Metal Tag With Interference Fit Junction Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tagging metal products from iron and steel processes are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring double manipulation operations for applying tags and support elements, which complicates manual and automated application processes.
Innovation Solution
A tag with a metal plate-like structure and a junction element having a through-opening with radial interference protrusions, allowing for interference fit and integration with a gripping portion for robotic or mechanical arm handling, simplifying the attachment and welding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate manipulation of tag and support element is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but operation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tag and support element are merged into a single integrated component. The tag body directly incorporates the support element structure, eliminating the need for separate manipulation and attachment operations. This integration simplifies the操作流程 while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tag structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides identification information through its reading surface, structural support through the integrated support element, and attachment capability through the unified design. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Productivity
If integrated tag with interference fit is used, then attachment speed increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interference fit features (protrusions and corresponding recesses) are localized to specific regions of the tag structure rather than requiring precision across the entire component. This allows high-speed manufacturing methods to be used while maintaining adequate fit precision only where needed for the interference connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates tolerance compensation through the interference fit geometry, where slight variations in manufacturing dimensions are absorbed by the elastic deformation capability of the interference connection. This allows faster manufacturing processes with relaxed tolerances to produce functional tags.
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
Facilitates rapid and simplified coupling of the junction element with the tag, enabling single-operation handling by robots or mechanical arms, speeding up the tagging process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one through-opening (5) having a profile provided with at least one interference protrusion (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tag (1) for bundles of metal products obtained from respective iron and steel processes comprising: at least one plate-like structure (2) made of a metal material, the plate-like structure (2) having at least one reading surface (3) adapted to support at least one identification code (4), relating to at least one piece of information or one datum pertaining to a respective bundle of metal products obtained from at least one iron and steel process; at least one junction element (9) that can be engaged to the plate-like structure (2) so that they can be moved and rotated integrally, the junction element (9) having a gripping portion (10) projecting from the reading surface (3) of the plate-like structure (2) and adapted to be gripped by a gripping head of a robot or an automated mechanical arm, the junction element (9) also having a fixing portion (11), opposite the gripping portion (10), protruding from a surface (12) of the plate-like structure (2) opposite the reading surface (3), the fixing portion (11) of the junction element (9) being fixable to a respective bundle of metal products, preferably by means of at least one welding operation, in particular an electric-arc welding operation.