Rodent Ear Tag Applicator with 90-Degree Leg Bend

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ear identification tags for lab rodents are prone to tearing, getting caught under claws, or catching on objects, which leads to detachment or irritation.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an applicator frame with a die assembly and rotating pinchers that bend tag legs beyond 90 degrees to secure them to the animal's ear, preventing detachment and irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional ear tags are used for lab rodents, then identification function is provided, but the tags may tear out, get caught under claws, or catch on objects causing detachment and irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag retentionVSAvoiddetachment and irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the tag leg bend angle to beyond 90 degrees, creating a hooked configuration that mechanically interlocks with the ear tissue. This parameter change transforms the tag from a simple attachment to an interlocked structure that resists detachment forces from animal movement and external objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies curvature by bending the tag legs into a hooked shape beyond 90 degrees. This curved geometry allows the tag legs to wrap around and secure within the ear tissue, preventing the linear tags from catching on objects or being pulled out easily by animal claws

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If tag legs are bent beyond 90 degrees to secure tags, then tag retention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to rotating pinchers and die assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag retentionVSAvoidapplicator mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic components including rotating pinchers and a movable die assembly that can move in first and second vertical directions. These dynamic elements allow the applicator to automatically transition through different operational phases (grasping, bending, securing) in sequence, reducing the need for multiple static tools and simplifying the overall application process despite the complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The die assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a die frame, a movable die assembly with rotating pinchers, and an anvil. Each component performs a specific function in the tag application sequence, allowing the complex task of bending tag legs beyond 90 degrees to be broken down into manageable mechanical steps that can be executed automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8696684B2Animal tag applicator

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 JACKSON LAB THE

AI summary

Described are an animal tag applicator, a device for advancing a strip of animal tags, a leg bending die for bending the legs of animal tags, and methods for applying an animal tag to a body part of an animal.