Reinforced Ear Loop Button for Anti-Fraud Livestock Tagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear tags for livestock can be falsified by cutting the cap to detach and replace the tag without leaving visible traces, compromising the integrity of the identification system, and lack visual monitoring capabilities to detect fraud or damage.
Innovation Solution
An ear loop design featuring a cylindrical or tapered button with a reinforcement rib at its base, which prevents insertion of sharp-edged tools and includes a circular collar and ribs for enhanced security and visibility, ensuring the tag cannot be removed without leaving traces and allowing for easy visual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is made detachable to facilitate tag replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the tag can be removed and replaced without visible traces
Solution Approach 1:
The button base is pre-equipped with reinforcement ribs that protrude into the cap's internal space before assembly. These ribs create mechanical interference that prevents clean cutting separation, making any attempted detachment visible and obvious, thus preventing fraud while maintaining operational functionality
2Reliability
If reinforcement elements are added to the button base, then the reliability is improved by preventing fraud, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reinforcing the entire button structure, reinforcement ribs are localized only at the base of the button where they are most needed for preventing cap detachment. This localized approach provides anti-fraud capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The button is formed as a composite structure integrating reinforcement ribs directly into the button base, combining the structural function of the button with the security function of the ribs in a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Strength
If the button base is reinforced with ribs, then the strength is improved to prevent cutting, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ribs are integrated directly into the button base as a single molded or machined component rather than being separate parts requiring assembly. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the strength and anti-cutting properties of the reinforced structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cattle marking and identification ear tag of the type that combines a male part and a female part, including a tag (2) and an essentially cylindrical or frusto-conical button (3) which is secured to an eyelet (4) in the tag, such that the base (5) of the button abuts against the edge of the eyelet, the contact surfaces having a complementary shape. The ear tag is characterized in that the base of the button includes at least one reinforcing rib (6). The button is provided with reinforcing elements such that the tag cannot be detached from the button at the eyelet using a cutting instrument without leaving visible traces of attempted forgery of the tag.