Touch-less Baggage Labeling System with UV Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Baggage checking systems at airports face challenges in reducing the spread of contaminants through physical contact and printer malfunctions, such as jamming or running out of materials, during the tagging process.

Innovation Solution

A touch-less baggage labeling system that includes a conveyor system, a printing assembly with a printer head capable of printing directly onto the baggage, and a positioning arm for precise label placement, using removable ink and an optional ultraviolet source for sterilization, which minimizes contact and potential contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical contact is used to attach baggage tags, then the tagging process can be completed, but the spread of contaminants such as virus and bacteria increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless operationVSAvoidcontaminant spread

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based tagging system with an automated printing system that deposits material directly onto the baggage surface. The printing assembly with printer head eliminates the need for manual handling and physical attachment by staff, substituting mechanical contact with a non-contact deposition process that reduces contaminant spread while maintaining reliable tagging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional printers are used to print baggage tags, then tags can be generated, but printer malfunctions such as jamming or running out of material occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidprinter malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a material replenishment mechanism where the printing assembly automatically receives material supply from a reservoir or cartridge system. This self-service approach eliminates manual intervention for material replacement and reduces malfunctions related to material depletion, ensuring continuous operation without requiring staff to manually service the printing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent includes a material reservoir or cartridge system that is pre-loaded with printing material, providing a buffer against material depletion. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the printing process can continue without interruption even as material is consumed, preventing malfunctions related to running out of material before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If manual handling is used for baggage tagging, then the process can be completed, but time is lost due to printer malfunctions and material replenishment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetagging speedVSAvoiddowntime for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated printing system with integrated material reservoir enables continuous operation without interruption for manual material replenishment or maintenance. The printing assembly operates continuously as baggage items pass through the conveyor, eliminating downtime associated with manual printer service and maintaining consistent tagging speed throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

The system reduces the transmission of diseases by minimizing contact and ensures reliable operation through automated and contactless tagging, while also preventing printer malfunctions by using a conveyor system and removable ink.

Implementation Method 1

a printer head configured to print a label directly onto the baggage item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrinting:

Implementation Method 2

an ultraviolet source configured to sterilize at least a portion of the baggage item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet sterilization: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4011782B1Touch-less printing of travel details on travel bag

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 GOODRICH AEROSPACE SERVICES PTE LTD

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Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D

AI summary

A baggage labeling system (100) is disclosed. The baggage labeling system includes a baggage labeling module (102). The baggage labeling module includes a housing (103), a workstation interface (202), a controller communicatively coupled to the workstation interface, a baggage sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, a conveyor system (124) communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to move a baggage item. The baggage labeling module includes a printing assembly (138) communicatively coupled to the controller. The printing assembly includes a printer head (142) configured to print a label directly onto the baggage item and a positioning arm (150) mechanically coupled to the printer head configured to rotate the positioning arm relative to at least one plane, or translate the positioning arm relative to a first axis. The baggage labeling system further includes a workstation communicatively coupled to the baggage labeling module.