Segmented Self-Laminating Wristband for Flat Barcode Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The anatomical limitations of a patient's wrist cause imaging areas on traditional self-laminating wristbands to bow or curve, making it difficult for medical professionals to read data, especially with the introduction of bar codes which require a flat surface for accurate reading.
Innovation Solution
The wristband design features two or more separated imaging areas with a natural hinge or fold point between them, allowing the band to bend around the wrist and maintain a flat orientation, with auxiliary imaging areas for additional data and special precautions, and a thinner laminate bridge between main imaging areas to accommodate the wrist's contour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the imaging area is made longer to provide more real estate for data and images, then the amount of information that can be displayed increases, but the imaging area tends to bow or assume an arcuate shape to fit the patient's wrist, making it difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The single imaging area is divided into multiple separate imaging areas (first imaging area, second imaging area, and auxiliary imaging area) spaced apart along the wristband. This segmentation allows each imaging area to remain relatively flat and readable while collectively providing sufficient space for all required data and images without requiring a single long continuous area.
2Reliability
If the wristband is tightened close to the wrist to secure it properly, then the wristband stays in place, but the imaging area bows or assumes an arcuate shape making it difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
By spacing multiple imaging areas apart rather than using a single continuous area, the invention allows the wristband to be tightened securely while the gaps between imaging areas accommodate the natural curvature when wrapped around the wrist. Each imaging area can be read more easily without requiring the entire band to be loose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bar codes are placed on the imaging area, then patient identification and tracking capability improves, but bar code readers cannot accurately read the code when the surface is curved
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code is placed in a dedicated auxiliary imaging area that is spaced apart from the main imaging area. This separation ensures that the bar code remains on a relatively flat surface that can be accurately scanned by bar code readers, even when the wristband is tightened around the wrist. The auxiliary area acts as a specialized zone for machine-readable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary imaging area serves as an intermediary zone specifically designed for bar code placement, separating the bar code function from the main data display area. This intermediary space allows the bar code to be positioned where it can be accurately read while the main imaging area displays patient information.
4Device complexity
If a single laminate layer is used to cover the imaging area, then the structure is simple, but the imaging area cannot maintain a flat orientation when the wristband bends around the wrist
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate structure is segmented to correspond with the multiple imaging areas, with laminate portions covering each imaging area separately. The gaps between imaging areas create natural hinge points that allow the wristband to bend while keeping each imaging area relatively flat. This segmented approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving the desired flatness.
Data Source
AI summary
A self laminating wristband separable from a multi-ply page form has a plurality of separated imaging areas, with one larger imaging area for receiving printed data corresponding to the wearer such as his name, i.d. number, etc., with one or more second imaging areas adapted to receive either printed information or markers which may be adhered thereto. The separated imaging areas are aligned along the length of the wristband so that the gap between them acts as a natural hinge point which allows the imaging areas to lie flatter against the wearer's wrist.