Tape Dispenser Receptacle with Sensor-Activated LED Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-shipper parcel processing facilities, the incorrect use of special packing tapes by workers can lead to confusion among recipients and potentially harm the reputation of online sellers, as different sellers require specific tapes with their names and logos, and existing systems lack efficient methods to ensure the right tape is used for each package.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a tape dispenser receptacle with cradles and sensors to match scanned package information with the corresponding type of packaging tape, featuring LED indicators and sensors to detect the presence and correct type of tape, and optional RFID tags for further identification, to prevent incorrect tape usage and alert operators through alarms and displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of special packing tapes are used for different sellers, then the packaging requirements of different sellers can be met, but the risk of workers applying the wrong tape increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different seller requirementsVSAvoidaccuracy of tape application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors in cradles that detect whether a tape dispenser is properly installed, and LED indicators that show which tape type is currently selected. This feedback mechanism ensures workers are aware of the correct tape type and reduces the risk of applying the wrong tape to packages from different sellers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary control system between the worker and the tape application process. This intermediary includes the scanner that reads package identifiers, the processor that determines the correct tape type, and the indicator system that communicates this information to the worker, thereby mediating the selection process and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual tape selection is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but tape selection errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of tape selectionVSAvoidaccuracy of tape type selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service tape selection by automatically scanning package identifiers and having the system determine the correct tape type. The LED indicators automatically highlight the correct cradle, eliminating the need for workers to manually search for or remember which tape type corresponds to which package, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual tape selection with an automated optical scanning and electronic indicator system. The scanner reads package information, the processor determines the correct tape type, and LED indicators visually communicate the selection, substituting manual cognitive processing with automated optical and electronic mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no verification system is used, then system complexity is minimized, but incorrect tape usage harms seller reputations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of the systemVSAvoiddamage to seller reputation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by scanning package identifiers before tape application and pre-determining the correct tape type. The LED indicators and sensor-based cradle detection provide preliminary feedback to workers before the actual tape application occurs, preventing incorrect tape usage from harming seller reputations while adding only minimal system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures the correct packaging tape is applied to each package, reducing errors and protecting seller reputations by providing real-time feedback and pausing operations until correct tape usage is confirmed, thus enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The cradles each have a sensor to detect whether the cradle is empty

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensor detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Each of the cradles also has an associated display indicator that is activated based on the type of packaging tape determined by the scanner and the processor. The indicators can be LED lamps.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

the identification tags can be RFID tags and the identification tag sensors would be RF receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID radio frequency detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9406175B2Multi-shipper package tape dispensing and quality control system

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 PITNEY BOWERS INC

AI summary

A system for handling tape dispensers to be used by parcel preparation workers. Identification markings on the parcels are scanned. The identification markings are matched with corresponding different kinds of packaging tape. A tape dispenser receptacle holds a plurality of tape dispensers in respective cradles. Each of the cradles has an associated display indicator that is activated based on the type of packaging tape determined by the scanner and the processor.