Integrated Metal Tag with Welding Junction for Automated Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tagging metal products from iron and steel processes require complex and time-consuming manual or automated manipulation and welding operations due to the need for simultaneous handling of tags and support elements, complicating the application process.
Innovation Solution
A tag with a plate-like metal structure and a junction element having interference protrusions for secure integration, allowing for single-handed manipulation and welding by robots or mechanical arms, where the junction element is inserted into a ragged through-opening and fixed via welding, enabling independent movement and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate support elements (nails, wire-like elements, clips) are used to attach tags to metal products, then the tag can be securely fastened, but the manipulation and application operations become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support element and tag are merged into a single integrated component. The tag body itself incorporates the attachment function through an engagement portion with interference protrusions that directly engage with the metal product, eliminating the need for separate nails, wires, or clips. This integration simplifies manipulation to a single operation while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag is designed with multi-functionality: the plate-like structure provides identification/surface area for codes, while the integrated engagement portion with interference protrusions provides the fastening function. This single component performs both identification and secure attachment, reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If separate support elements are used for tag attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but the application speed decreases due to double manipulation operations
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the support element and tag into one integrated component, the application process requires only a single manipulation operation instead of two separate operations (handling tag and handling support element). This directly increases application speed while the interference protrusions ensure secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion with interference protrusions is pre-formed as an integral part of the tag during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means no additional assembly steps are needed during application, allowing for faster attachment while maintaining reliable fastening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate support elements are used, then the tag can be attached to metal products, but automated welding and manipulation operations become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of support function into the tag body creates a single-component system that is easier for automated systems to manipulate. The robot or automated arm only needs to handle one component with a unified geometry, simplifying gripper design and manipulation algorithms while maintaining attachment capability through the engagement portion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If through holes with circular profiles are used for tag attachment, then the tag can be engaged with support elements, but the manipulation operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion is segmented into multiple interference protrusions distributed around the periphery rather than a single circular hole. This segmentation provides multiple engagement points that naturally guide and constrain the support element during insertion, simplifying the manipulation operation while maintaining versatile engagement capability.
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
This configuration simplifies and accelerates the tagging process, reducing operational complexity and allowing for rapid, precise attachment of tags to metal products, enhancing handling efficiency with automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
interference protrusions for secure integration
Implementation Method 2
junction element is inserted into a ragged through-opening and fixed via welding
Implementation Method 3
fixed via welding
Data Source
AI summary
A tag for bundles of metal products comprising: a plate-like structure made of a metal material and having at least one reading surface to support an identification code; a junction element that can be engaged to the plate-like structure so that they can be moved and rotated integrally, the junction element having a gripping portion projecting from the reading surface of the plate-like structure and gripped by a gripping head of a robot or an automated mechanical arm, the junction element also having a fixing portion, opposite the gripping portion, protruding from a surface of the plate-like structure opposite the reading surface, the fixing portion of the junction element being fixable to a respective bundle of metal products, preferably by a welding operation, in particular an electric-arc welding operation.