Identification Tag Pivoting Web and Fixing Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification tags require significant hand movement for application, often leading to inconsistent angles and increased risk of improper attachment due to material variations and manufacturing inconsistencies, which can cause jamming in applicators and incorrect placement on items.
Innovation Solution
The identification tag features a first and second body portion with a web portion allowing pivoting, a drive member with a fixing surface to maintain a consistent angle between 90 and 170 degrees, and a lock mechanism to secure the tag in place, ensuring consistent application and reduced operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tags are formed substantially flat and then folded to fit into the jaws of the applicator, then the tag can be securely attached to items, but a significant amount of hand movement is required which leaves little hand movement available for actually attaching the tag to the item
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is pre-formed with body portions at an angle of between 90 and 180 degrees before application. This preliminary angular configuration reduces the hand movement required during actual attachment while maintaining secure fixation capability
2Productivity
If tags are pre-folded to less than 90 degrees prior to being placed in the applicator jaws, then more hand movement is available for attaching the tag, but the partly folded tag can inhibit the view of the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The tag body portions are formed at an optimal angle range of between 90 and 180 degrees. This parameter optimization balances hand movement requirements with operator visibility, allowing sufficient movement for attachment while maintaining a clear view of the attachment area
3Manufacturing precision
If metal tags are pressed to provide a specific angle between portions, then the tag can be formed with consistent angle, but the angle provided can be inconsistent when pressing the tags
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is formed with body portions at an angle of between 90 and 170 degrees, with the fixing surface holding the second body portion at an angle of between 90 and 170 degrees relative to the first body portion. This optimized angular parameter range improves consistency and reliability of angle formation during both manufacturing and application
4Manufacturing precision
If plastic tags are formed in a mould with a specific angle, then the tag can be formed with consistent angle, but once removed from the mould the tags can set at a different angle depending on ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tag incorporates a fixing surface that holds the second body portion at a stable angle of between 90 and 170 degrees relative to the first body portion. This structural feature maintains angle stability independent of ambient conditions, preventing the tag from setting at different angles after removal from the mould
5Adaptability or versatility
If tags are formed with varying angles due to material properties, then different materials can be used in the same mould, but the tags may not correctly align or locate with one another during application
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing surface is designed to hold the second body portion at a standardized angle range of between 90 and 170 degrees regardless of material variations. This parameter standardization ensures correct alignment and location during application even when different materials are used in the same mould
6Extent of automation
If a biasing means is used to push tags towards the applicator jaws, then the tags can be automatically loaded, but the force applied often results in the tags twisting and jamming the loading mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is formed with body portions at an optimized angle of between 90 and 170 degrees, which reduces the force required for loading and minimizes twisting during automatic loading. This parameter optimization prevents jamming of the loading mechanism while maintaining automatic loading capability
Data Source
AI summary
An identification tag (10,100) is provided which comprises a first body portion (12), a second body portion (14) and a web portion (13) located between the first and second body portions (12,14). The web portion (13) permits the second body portion (14) to be pivoted relative to the first body portion (12). The tag (10,100) further comprises a drive member (26,126) projecting from the first body portion (12). The drive member (26,126) has a drive surface (32,132) adapted to be driven, in use, by a tag loading mechanism of a tag applicator. A lock (16,22) is also provided on the tag (10,100) to lock the free ends of the first and second body portions (12,14) together after application. The drive member (26,126) may also include a fixing surface (36,136) for fixing the second body portion (14) at a chosen angle relative to the first body portion (12) prior to application of the tag (10,100) to an item.