UV-Curable Resin Label for Permanent Object Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking systems for objects like bicycles are prone to easy removal or degradation, are complex and expensive, and require special skills and consumables, making them unsuitable for high-end or fragile surfaces, and lack effective resistance to tearing.

Innovation Solution

A flexible plastic label with a framework delimiting a cavity is used, filled with a bi-component UV-hardening resin for a strong bond to the surface, combined with a protective film and a secondary label for enhanced security and simplicity, reducing the need for additional consumables and complex installation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a marking label is attached directly to the bicycle frame, then the marking is visible and identifiable, but the label can be removed or damaged easily by scratching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidmarking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking system is segmented into distinct functional layers: a protective transparent layer covering the identification label, adhesive layers for mounting, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while contributing to overall durability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marking label uses composite material construction with a transparent protective layer (resin or varnish) over the identification label, combined with adhesive layers and support structures. This composite structure provides enhanced durability, scratch resistance, and permanent attachment while maintaining visibility of the marking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If micro-percussion engraving is used to mark the frame, then the marking becomes more resistant to removal, but the process requires investment in specialized machines and is not suitable for fragile paint or high-end frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking resistance to removalVSAvoidmarking process accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical micro-percussion engraving with a chemical/adhesive-based marking system. The identification label with protective layer is mounted using adhesive layers and support structures, eliminating the need for specialized engraving machines while providing comparable or superior durability and broader applicability to various frame types including those with fragile paint or high-end materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a sophisticated marking system with injection chambers and multiple components is used, then the marking security is improved, but the process becomes much more complex and expensive with additional consumables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking securityVSAvoidmarking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The support structure simultaneously provides mechanical support, mounting surface, and protective enclosure. The adhesive layers combine attachment and sealing functions. This integration maintains high marking security and durability while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for complex injection chambers, multiple ribs, baffles, and other ancillary components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the marking process uses multiple consumables and complex components, then the marking security is enhanced, but the installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking permanenceVSAvoidmarking installation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification label is pre-assembled with adhesive layers and support structures in a factory setting, creating a pre-fabricated marking unit. This preliminary action allows the field installation to be simplified to a single mounting operation, dramatically increasing installation speed and productivity while maintaining the permanence and security of the marking through the robust pre-assembled construction.

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

The solution provides a durable, resistant, and cost-effective marking system that is simple to install, resistant to removal, and leaves indelible traces, discouraging theft and resale of marked objects.

Implementation Method 1

filled before fixing the device on its receiving support, with a resin curable by polymerization under a UV lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4075417B1Device and method for permanent marking of an object
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 IMPRIMERIE NAT
  • EP4075417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4075417B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4075417B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an identification device (1) intended to be fixed to an object having a receiving support (10), comprising a plastic label (2) having an upper face having a visible identifier and an under face intended to be fixed to said receiving support, characterized in that the under face has a frame (3) following the contour of the label (2) and delimiting a cavity (5) filled with a resin (4) hardenable by polymerization.