Molded Undercut Slot for RFID Tag Attachment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching RFID tags to waste containers are either damaged by high molding temperatures and pressures, require additional parts and drilling, or provide a non-durable adhesive attachment, which are inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming a container with a bulbous opening or slot in the mold, allowing an RFID case to be snapped into place without a movable mold insert, ensuring a secure and durable attachment without additional parts or drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If RFID tag is in-molded directly into the cart material, then the attachment is integrated into the container structure, but the RFID tag is damaged by high molding temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the RFID tag attachment from the main container molding process by creating a distinct slot or recess in the molded container wall. This segmentation allows the RFID tag to be attached separately after molding, avoiding direct exposure to high temperatures and pressures during the molding process while maintaining integrated appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot for RFID tag attachment is created during the molding process itself, before the RFID tag is actually attached. This preliminary action prepares the container structure in advance to receive the RFID tag separately, ensuring the tag is not exposed to damaging molding conditions while still achieving integrated attachment.
2Strength
If RFID tag is attached using hard protective case with fasteners, then the connection is durable, but additional parts are required and holes must be drilled in the cart
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment slot directly into the container wall during the molding process, combining the container structure and attachment feature into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and drilling operations, reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining durable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure itself provides the attachment mechanism through the molded-in slot, eliminating the need for external fasteners or additional hardware. The container serves its primary function while simultaneously providing its own attachment system for the RFID tag.
3Productivity
If RFID tag is attached with adhesive labels, then the attachment method is quick and inexpensive, but the attachment is not durable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dedicated slot or recess in the container wall for RFID tag attachment, separating the attachment location from the rest of the container surface. This segmented approach allows for mechanical interlocking rather than relying solely on adhesive bonds, significantly improving durability while maintaining ease and low cost of attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a container includes providing a mold including at least one bulbous protrusion. The mold is closed to form a mold cavity corresponding to the shape of the container, with the bulbous protrusion being positioned in the mold cavity. Material is injected into the mold cavity to form the container, and the material envelopes the bulbous protrusion to create an undercut slot. The container is removed from the mold and the bulbous protrusion is withdrawn from the slot.