Machine Washable ID Label Hermetic Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft security tags and ID labels require removal before washing, which is inconvenient and adds a step for sellers and users.
Innovation Solution
A machine-washable ID label design featuring a hermetically sealed outer shell with an electronic article surveillance element, comprising a first and second hollow component with U-shaped views and connectors, ensuring the element remains waterproof during washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional anti-theft security tags are used, then anti-theft functionality is provided, but the tags must be removed before washing which adds inconvenience and extra steps
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic article surveillance element is nested inside a hermetically sealed outer shell housing. The housing contains the EAS element within its interior cavity, protecting it from water and mechanical damage during washing while maintaining the anti-theft functionality. This nesting allows the ID label to withstand washing without removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell housing is designed as a sealed enclosure that protects the EAS element from water penetration. The hermetic seal created by the housing structure allows the ID label to be exposed to water during machine washing while keeping the electronic element dry and functional.
2Ease of operation
If the ID label is made waterproof for machine washing, then washing convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the sealed housing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The ID label is divided into distinct functional components: an outer shell housing that provides waterproof protection and an internal EAS element that provides anti-theft functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing for water resistance and the EAS element for security detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetically sealed outer shell housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproof protection for machine washing, structural support for the EAS element, and a sealed enclosure that maintains the integrity of the electronic component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
Eliminates the need to remove the ID label before washing, maintaining the anti-theft functionality while allowing for machine washing of items.
Implementation Method 1
said first component and said second component are hermetically sealed to one another so as to render the inside of said outer shell internally waterproof
Data Source
AI summary
A machine-washable ID label for attachment to a washable item includes: a) an outer shell for housing an electronic article surveillance element, with a first component and a second component, the first component being a hollow component with a bottom and side walls, the walls having inside surfaces and outside surfaces and a continuous loop rim, the first component having a U-shaped view from a cut side view and from a cut end view, the first component having an outwardly extending male connector on the rim, and the second component being a hollow component with a top and side walls, the walls having inside surfaces and outside surfaces and a continuous loop rim, the first component having a U-shaped view from a cut side view and from a cut end view, the first component having an inwardly extending female connector receiver on the rim, wherein the male connector is located in the female connector receiver and the first component and the second component are hermetically sealed to one another so as to render the inside of the outer shell internally waterproof, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component has an embedded seal energy director; and b) an electronic article surveillance element positioned within the outer shell so as to render it impermeable to water.