Rotatable QR Code Platter for Connector Mating Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems with concealed barcode labels require separate movable components for concealing and indicating features, which can lead to complexity and potential misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable barcode or QR code platter integrated with a spring mechanism or mechanical linkage, where the concealing and indicating features are part of the same structure, allowing the barcode or QR code to be revealed only when the connectors are fully mated, simplifying the mechanism and ensuring alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate movable components are used for concealing and indicating features, then the barcode label can be concealed when not mated, but the device complexity increases and alignment issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the concealing feature (upper side of platter) and indicating feature (barcode on underside of platter) into a single integrated platter structure. This eliminates the need for separate movable components, reduces device complexity, and ensures synchronized movement and alignment between the concealing and indicating features.
2Loss of information
If separate movable components are used for concealing and indicating features, then the barcode can be hidden, but potential misalignment issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both the concealing surface and the barcode indicator onto a single platter, the patent eliminates relative movement between separate components. This ensures that when the platter rotates to expose the barcode, perfect alignment is maintained without requiring high-precision manufacturing tolerances between multiple parts.
3Device complexity
If an integrated rotatable platter is used for both concealing and indicating features, then the mechanism complexity is reduced, but the spring mechanism is required for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is configured to automatically rotate the platter when the connector housing is fully mated, without requiring external actuation. The mating action itself triggers the spring to release and rotate the platter, exposing the barcode. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated concealing and indicating features ensure reliable and synchronized exposure of the barcode or QR code upon full mating, reducing complexity and ensuring accurate indication of connector status.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable barcode or QR code platter is activated or made operable by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden releasable barcode or QR code for indicating mating or non-mating of two elements, which includes a concealing feature which indicates the non-mating of said two elements, and an indicating feature which indicates the mating of said two elements. The concealing feature and the indicating feature are one and the same structure with no relative motion between the concealing feature and the indicating feature. The conceiling feature is an upper side of the rotatable platter, while the indicating feature is an underside of the rotatable platter having the barcode or QR code thereon. When a rotatable platter becomes unblocked, a spring or a mechanical linkage rotates the platter from the upper side of the platter (concealing feature) to the underside of the platter containing thereon the barcode or the QR code (indicating feature).