Screw Nut Barcode Segments for Multi-Angle Readability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw nuts with barcode patterns on their faces face challenges in accessibility and protection due to obstruction by threaded rods during installation, leading to cumbersome alignment and potential mechanical damage.

Innovation Solution

A screw nut design featuring at least three identical barcode patterns on a ring-shaped face surrounding the through hole, ensuring accessibility from various angles and protection from mechanical damage, with the option for additional patterns on a second face for dual configuration compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a single barcode pattern is placed on a face of the screw nut, then the data can be stored on the nut, but the threaded rod obstructs the view and requires cumbersome alignment of the barcode reader

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata read-out accessibilityVSAvoidbarcode reader alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing multiple barcode patterns at different locations on the nut face, specifically at different angular positions around the circumference. This ensures that at least one barcode pattern is always accessible from any viewing angle, eliminating the need for precise alignment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single linear barcode to multiple barcodes arranged in a circular pattern around the nut face. This dimensional change from one-dimensional linear arrangement to two-dimensional circular distribution allows the barcode information to be accessed from any angular position, solving the alignment problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the barcode is placed on the screw nut face, then data can be read optically, but the barcode is vulnerable to mechanical damage during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storageVSAvoidbarcode protection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple barcode patterns on the nut face before installation. The redundant arrangement ensures that even if some barcodes are damaged during installation, the data remains accessible through the undamaged barcodes, protecting against mechanical damage in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning against mechanical damage by creating redundancy through multiple barcode patterns. If one barcode is damaged during installation, the other barcodes serve as a backup, cushioning against complete data loss and ensuring continuous reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Loss of information

If multiple identical barcode patterns are placed on the first face of the screw nut, then accessibility and protection are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata read-out accessibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating multiple identical barcode patterns on the nut face. These barcodes are replicated at different angular positions, allowing the same data to be read from any position. The copying process uses standard marking techniques to reproduce identical barcode images at multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by making each barcode pattern serve the same function - providing data read-out accessibility. All barcode patterns are identical and can be read by any standard barcode reader positioned at any angular location, making the system universally accessible regardless of viewing angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3994363B1Screw nut with barcode pattern segments
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 HILTI AG
  • EP3994363B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

Screw nut (1) comprising a through hole (11), an internal thread (12) that projects into the through hole (11), a first face (21) that surrounds the through hole (11), and at least one first barcode pattern (31, 32, 33) that is located on the first face (21). According to the invention, the screw nut (1) comprises at least three first barcode patterns (31, 32, 33) that are located on the first face (21), wherein the first barcode patterns (31, 32, 33) have identical content.