Rotatable Annular ID Band for Readable Fluidic Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Technical information on fluidic components is often hidden or not easily readable after installation in fluidic circuits, making it difficult for installers and maintenance operators to access necessary information.

Innovation Solution

A component with an annular identifying band that can be easily read, featuring a rotary coupling around a tubular portion, allowing for graphic identification elements and user-writable surfaces, and optionally including materials for visibility enhancement or removable features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If technical information is printed directly on the component, then the information is permanently attached to the component, but the information becomes hidden or difficult to read after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidinformation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The identifying information is segmented from the main component body and placed on a separate annular band that can rotate independently. This allows the information carrier to be positioned separately from the component's functional elements, enabling readable access while maintaining component integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular identifying band is made rotatable around the tubular portion, transforming a static information display into a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows installers and maintenance operators to actively position the band to make information readable, regardless of the component's installation orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the component is installed in various positions to meet functional requirements, then the component achieves proper functionality, but the technical information becomes hidden or invisible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinformation visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable annular band provides dynamic information positioning that adapts to any component installation orientation. Unlike fixed markings that lose visibility when the component is installed in certain positions, the rotatable band can always be manually positioned to face the observer, preventing information loss regardless of installation flexibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If standard printing methods are used on the component surface, then the information is permanently marked, but the information remains difficult to access after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation applicationVSAvoidinformation reading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the information carrier (annular band) from the component body, the invention maintains the simplicity of standard printing methods on the band itself while dramatically improving information accessibility. The band can be printed using conventional methods and then mounted on the component, combining manufacturing ease with operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3688745B1Component for a fluidic circuit and valve comprising said component

Publication Date: 2022.11.02 EFFEBI SPA

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AI summary

A component for a fluidic circuit is provided with at least one tubular portion (2) extending around an axis (A) and with at least one annular identifying band (3), which is coupled to the tubular portion (2).