Removable Luggage Identification Patch with Segmented Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luggage identification tags are prone to damage and loss during handling, especially with automated sorting systems, and are often difficult to attach and remove, leading to identification issues and potential luggage damage.
Innovation Solution
A removable identification patch system featuring a fastening member with apertures and a housing with retention features, allowing for secure attachment and easy replacement on luggage, with personalized indicia that can be engraved or printed before installation, reducing the risk of damage and improving identification accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional identification tags are used on luggage, then luggage identification is enabled, but the tags are prone to being lost or damaged during luggage handling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is divided into separate components: a removable identification patch that can be detached and replaced, and a retention structure that remains on the luggage. This segmentation allows the identification element to be protected from damage while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification patch is pre-attached to the luggage before the traveler needs to identify it. The patch is permanently secured to the luggage body, ensuring it cannot be lost during handling, while the retention features allow for easy replacement if needed.
2Productivity
If automated sorting systems with optical scanning are used, then luggage sorting efficiency is improved, but the friction forces and snagging increase the likelihood of tearing identification tags
Solution Approach 1:
The identification patch incorporates flexible or resilient retention features that can dynamically respond to forces applied during automated handling. The retention features can flex or deform under friction forces without causing the patch to tear from the luggage.
3Ease of manufacture
If identification tags are permanently attached prior to printing owner information, then manufacturing process is simplified, but removal and reworking requires substantial effort and special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system separates the permanent attachment function (retention features on luggage) from the identification function (removable patch with printed information). This allows the patch to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the attachment mechanism or requiring special equipment.
4Loss of information
If traditional identification tags are used, then basic identification is achieved, but the tags cannot be viewed from a distance making it difficult to identify and retrieve luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The identification patch can incorporate colored elements, reflective materials, or visually distinctive patterns that enhance visibility from a distance. The patch's design allows it to be seen clearly on the luggage surface, enabling travelers to identify their luggage before the carousel comes to a complete stop.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of luggage identification tags, and in particular, to a removable identification patch in which indicia can be incorporated onto the patch prior to installation of the patch onto the piece of luggage. A fastening plate is positioned on the interior surface of the luggage and is securely coupled to the identification patch, which is positioned on the exterior surface of the luggage. In one embodiment, the identification patch is attached directly to the fastening plate through fasteners that extend through the luggage wall. In another embodiment, the fastening plate includes projecting tabs which extend through the luggage wall to matingly engage a housing member positioned on the exterior surface of the luggage. The housing member includes a cavity for receiving the identification patch. The identification patch can be removed from the luggage and replaced with an alternative or second identification patch.