Molded Polymeric Articles With Durable Scannable Visual Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for incorporating encoded visual indicia on polymeric articles, such as lids and containers, are limited in their ability to provide durable, easily scannable, and aesthetically pleasing designs that can generate diverse instructions based on scanning by consumer and industrial devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving extrusion, molding, and thermoforming processes to create polymeric articles with encoded visual indicia using molds featuring positive and negative features, allowing for scanning by optical cameras to generate instructions, and incorporating removable mold inserts for varied designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encoded visual indicia are formed on polymeric articles using conventional printing or labeling methods, then the articles can display information, but the encoded indicia lack durability and are prone to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encoding process with the molding process by integrating mold inserts that form encoded visual indicia directly into the polymeric article during molding. This combines two separate operations (molding and encoding) into one, ensuring the encoded indicia become an intrinsic part of the article structure, thereby improving durability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring mold inserts with specific patterns (such as QR codes or other machine-readable codes) before the molding process. These mold inserts are prepared in advance and then integrated into the molding operation, allowing the encoded visual indicia to be formed directly during the molding process rather than requiring subsequent separate encoding steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If encoded visual indicia are added through post-manufacturing processes, then the articles can be scanned to generate instructions, but the encoding process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the encoding operation with the molding operation by using mold inserts that directly form machine-readable codes during the molding process. This eliminates the need for separate post-manufacturing encoding steps, reducing device complexity and time requirements while maintaining full scannability and instruction generation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-configured mold inserts that contain the encoded patterns before molding begins. This preliminary preparation of the encoding templates allows the actual encoding to occur automatically during molding, reducing the complexity of the encoding process itself while ensuring the articles can be scanned to generate instructions
3Manufacturing precision
If standard molding processes are used without specialized features, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the articles cannot provide durable encoded visual indicia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the molding system by introducing removable mold inserts as separate components that can be independently configured and replaced. This segmentation allows the main molding process to remain simple while the specialized encoding features are provided by interchangeable inserts, achieving high precision encoded visual indicia without permanently complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by making the mold inserts removable and replaceable. This allows the encoding features to be dynamically changed between production runs without modifying the core molding equipment, enabling high precision encoded visual indicia while maintaining ease of manufacture through flexible, adaptable tooling
4Adaptability or versatility
If articles are designed with uniform appearance, then aesthetics are pleasing, but the articles cannot incorporate machine-readable codes for scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating encoded visual indicia at specific, localized positions on the article surface rather than affecting the overall design. The mold inserts create discrete code patterns in specific areas, allowing the rest of the article to maintain its uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance while still providing the necessary machine-readable information for scanning
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
The solution enables durable, scannable, and aesthetically appealing polymeric articles that can generate consumer and industrial-specific instructions, enhancing user interaction and recyclability through encoded visual indicia.
Implementation Method 1
The method may further include applying a vacuum to the mold to assist in urging portions of the sheet into or around the features to form the encoded visual indicia in the sheet
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
A polymeric article includes a body and encoded visual indicia formed on the body. The encoded visual indicia may be scanned to generate instructions. A method of providing the polymeric article includes applying polymeric materials to a mold to provide an article-blank web having formed therein an article preform of a desired shape with encoded visual indicia formed in the article preform.