Late-Stage Product Configuration With Wavelength-Activated Container Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring and labeling electronic products for shipping often result in errors and inefficiencies due to manual labeling processes, which can lead to incorrect shipment destinations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A container system with polychromatic ink labels activated by different wavelengths and a wireless configuration apparatus to automatically set electronic product features based on destination, eliminating the need for manual labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labeling is used to indicate product configuration and shipping location, then labeling flexibility is maintained, but error rate increases and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical labeling processes with an automated optical system using portable imaging devices to capture product configuration data and automatically generate/apply labels, eliminating human error in the labeling process while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service labeling where the imaging device automatically captures product information, processes it through software, and generates the appropriate shipping labels without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic products are configured just prior to shipping, then adaptability to actual demand improves, but labeling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple label templates and classification rules in the software system before shipping occurs. When the product is imaged, the system automatically matches the configuration against pre-defined criteria and applies the appropriate label, simplifying the real-time decision process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software system that acts as a mediator between the product configuration data and the physical labeling process. This software layer automatically processes the configuration information, determines the correct shipping destination and label type, and generates the appropriate labels, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall process
3Ease of operation
If containers are manually labeled indicating configuration and location, then resource allocation is flexible, but shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual labeling operations with an automated imaging and labeling system that rapidly captures product configuration data and applies appropriate shipping labels, significantly reducing the time and labor resources required while maintaining flexible resource allocation based on actual product specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of labeling from manual text writing to automated optical capture and digital label application. This parameter change enables rapid processing of multiple containers with consistent accuracy while reducing the time and human resources required, thereby lowering shipping costs
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
Enables accurate and efficient configuration of electronic products for specific regions, reducing errors and shipping costs by allowing wireless activation of labels and features at the late stage of the shipping process.
Implementation Method 1
a first label (111) of a first type of polychromatic ink to be activated at a first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a second label (112) of a second type of polychromatic ink to be activated at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a wireless circuit (215) to emit wireless signals to configure features of the electronic product (102) contained in the container (101)
Data Source
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AI summary
An example container includes: structure having an interior and an exterior. The interior is to contain an electronic product. The exterior comprises: a first label of a first type of polychromatic ink to be activated at a first wavelength; and a second label of a second type of polychromatic ink to be activated at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength; the first label to indicate a first set of features to be configured at the electronic product using a first wireless signal; and the second label to indicate a second set of features to be configured at the electronic product using a second wireless signal. The structure is transparent to the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal.