Stack Edge Marking for Panel Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for marking panel-like elements, such as adhesive labels and ink prints, are costly, time-consuming, and prone to detachment or smearing, especially on thin surfaces, and are not suitable for stacking due to space inefficiencies and aesthetic concerns.

Innovation Solution

Marking is applied to the side surface of a stack of panel-like elements, utilizing a larger area for markings like bar codes that can be opto-electronically or mechanically detected, reducing the need for individual surface marking and improving readability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If adhesive labels are applied to mark panel-like elements, then marking information can be provided, but the marking process becomes cost-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking informationVSAvoidmarking process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple marking operations into a single process by applying one adhesive label to the stacked assembly rather than marking each panel individually. This combining approach reduces the total number of marking operations from N (for N panels) to just one operation, significantly improving productivity while maintaining complete information recording.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs the marking action in advance by marking the stacked assembly before the panels are separated and distributed. This preliminary marking ensures all panels receive the marking information simultaneously in a single operation, avoiding the need for repeated marking operations later in the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If adhesive labels are applied to main surfaces, then marking is visible, but the aesthetic appearance is impaired and labels must be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking visibilityVSAvoidaesthetic integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the marking location from the two-dimensional main surface (front or back face) to the one-dimensional narrow edge surface of the stacked assembly. This dimensional change allows marking information to be preserved without interfering with the aesthetic appearance of the main surfaces, as the marking is confined to the peripheral edge area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive labels are applied to narrow surfaces, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the available marking area is very limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic integrityVSAvoidmarking surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the narrow surfaces of multiple panels that are stacked together to create a cumulative marking area. While each individual panel has a small narrow surface, the stacked assembly presents a much larger total edge area, providing sufficient space for comprehensive marking information while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If ink printing is used to mark main surfaces, then permanent marking is achieved, but the ink must be dried to prevent smearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking permanenceVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ink printing process with an adhesive label application process. Instead of using liquid ink that requires drying time to prevent smearing, the solution uses self-adhesive labels that provide immediate permanent marking upon application, eliminating the drying step and associated time loss while maintaining marking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Reliability

If laser burning is used to mark main surfaces, then permanent non-removable marking is achieved, but the process takes a lot of time and damages the aesthetic design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking permanenceVSAvoidmarking speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable adhesive labels as the marking medium instead of permanent laser burning. The labels provide sufficient permanence for identification and tracking purposes without requiring the time-consuming and aesthetically damaging laser process. The labels can be applied quickly and provide reliable marking information throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2065149B1Method and device for marking a stack of board-shaped elements, marked stacks and board-shaped element

Publication Date: 2016.03.23 FRITZ EGGER GMBH & CO OG

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The method involves forming a stack (14) of two plate-shaped elements by laminar attachment of main surfaces together. Side surfaces of the stack are designed by narrow surfaces of the individual plate-shaped element. A side surface of the stack is provided with an opto-electronic detectable marker (4) such as bar code. Longitudinal extension of the marker is aligned transverse to an extending direction of the narrow surfaces of the plate-shaped elements. The marker is produced by a roll stamp, laser beam or ink printing method. An independent claim is also included for a device for marking of a plate-shaped element.