Screw Nut Barcode Layout for Readable Installed Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw nuts with barcode patterns on their faces face accessibility issues when installed on threaded rods, as the rods obstruct the view, requiring cumbersome alignment for reading and are prone to mechanical damage.
Innovation Solution
The screw nut features at least three identical barcode patterns on a ring-shaped face surrounding the through hole, ensuring accessibility from various angles and protection from mechanical damage, with the option for additional patterns on a second face for dual configuration compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single barcode pattern is placed on one face of the screw nut, then the manufacturing is simple, but the accessibility for reading is poor when installed on a threaded rod
Solution Approach 1:
The single barcode pattern is segmented into multiple identical barcode patterns (at least three) distributed around the ring-shaped first face. Each barcode pattern contains the same data and can be independently read, ensuring that at least one barcode is always accessible regardless of the screw nut's rotational position on the threaded rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode patterns are arranged in a circumferential distribution around the ring-shaped face, transitioning from a single-point location to a multi-point circular arrangement. This spatial distribution in the circumferential dimension ensures that barcodes remain accessible from various viewing angles and positions.
2Reliability
If the barcode is placed on the threaded rod, then the data can be read during installation, but the barcode is prone to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode pattern is extracted from the threaded rod and relocated to the screw nut's ring-shaped first face. This separation places the barcode in a location that is more protected from mechanical damage during installation while remaining accessible for optical reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode patterns are pre-applied to the screw nut during manufacturing, before installation on the threaded rod. This preliminary application ensures the barcode is already in a protected position and eliminates the need for subsequent alignment operations during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical barcode patterns are provided on the first face, then the data read-out accessibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating multiple different barcodes with different data, the invention uses copying to replicate the same barcode pattern multiple times around the ring-shaped face. Each copy contains identical data and can be independently read, providing redundancy and accessibility without increasing information complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the barcode reader requires precise alignment with the barcode, then the reading accuracy is high, but the operation becomes cumbersome when the screw nut is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped first face provides a locally optimized reading surface where multiple barcode patterns are strategically positioned. This local arrangement ensures that regardless of the screw nut's rotational position, at least one barcode pattern is in an optimal reading position, eliminating the need for precise alignment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A screw nut includes a through hole defined by the screw nut, an internal thread that projects into the through hole, and a face that surrounds the through hole. At least three barcode patterns are disposed on the face where the at least three barcode patterns have an identical content.