The present invention relates to systems using machine readable labels on tools. More specifically it is a system of using machine readable labels, such as barcodes, that are integrated with, or affixed to, molds and dies, or other assets used in the manufacturing of product, thereby permitting a user to access critical information related to that specific tool.
Tools such as molds and dies are used to manufacture products such as plastic parts formed by injection molding. In order to use a given tool properly, the operator must possess certain information about the tool. Such critical information might include the tool manufacturer, process parameters, construction drawings, dimensional information and useful life of the tool. Often times these tools are sent from one plant to another, but critical information related to the tool is not provided, is incomplete, or is lost. This can be very problematic in a manufacturing setting where multiple tools are used, as it is not necessarily easy to distinguish one tool from another by mere inspection. It can be time consuming to perform the investigative work required to determine the identity of a specific tool, or even wasteful or dangerous if a misidentified tool is inadvertently used.
As can be seen, there is a need for a system that allows a tool manufacturer to provide critical tool information that is essentially inseparable from the tool itself. It is desirable that this information does not affect the performance of the tool, and that it is easily readable by the tool operator. It is also desirable that this information be dynamic insofar as it can be updated by the tool operator or agent thereof.
A system of using machine readable labels affixed to tools for managing information related to those tools uses components such as barcodes, processors, and barcode readers. A specially created and unique barcode is created when a user creates a profile for a specific tool. This barcode is affixed to a tool in such a manner that the barcode does not interfere with using the tool. The barcode preferably has additional human-readable printing which directs a user to a website. By accessing the website and scanning the barcode on the specific tool, a user is able to access pertinent information related to that tool. Optionally, authorized users may also be able to update information related to that tool. In this manner, manuals, specifications and so forth that are associated with the tool can't be lost or misplaced. Examples of pertinent information includes specifications, recalls, recommended hours of usage, liens and so forth.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
The following structures are found among the various FIGS.:
10—System
12—Barcode
13—Barcode plate
15—Tool
20—Plaque
25—Barcode reader
30—Processor
35—Output display
Referring to
As shown in
In this embodiment it is desirable that barcode plate 13 substrate is aluminum, steel, with barcode 12 markings effectuated by printing, etching, laser imprinting, and inscribing. It is desirable that surface of barcode plate 13 has approximate dimensions of 2.75″ by 3.5″ to 8″ by 10″ with approximately 2.75″×3.5″ being more desirable, and approximately 3″×5″ being most desirable. Thickness of barcode plate 13 is desirably approximately 1 mm to 3 mm with approximately 1 mm being more desirable.
It is desirable plaque 20 substrate is aluminum and/or steel with surface dimensions of approximately 2.75″ by 3.5″ to 9″ by 11″ with approximately 3″×3.75″ being more desirable, and approximately 3.5″×5.5″ being most desirable. Thickness of plaque 20 is desirably approximately 1 mm to 3 mm with 1 mm being preferred. It is desirable that plaque 20 is slightly larger than barcode plate 13.
Attachment of the various components, including barcode plate 13 and plaque 20 to tool 15, should be substantially permanent, yet not interfere with the operation of the tool. For example, in the case of a tool and die, barcode plate 13 and plaque 20 should be attached to the fixed (non-moving) portion of tool 15. Attachment of barcode plate 13 and plaque 20 to tool 15 can be effectuated by a variety of methods including adhesion, welding, bolting
In an alternative embodiment, shown in
Turning now to
A variety of barcode symbologies can be used, for example matrix (2D) such as QR, or linear (1D) such as UPC, as shown in
An overview of the system is schematically depicted in
An embodiment and method of using the system is depicted in greater detail in
One advantage of system 10 is that critical information related to tool 15 can be updated as necessary, including corrections to specifications, additional safety warnings, messages that a tool is subject to a lien, or that the useful life of a tool is coming to an end. Such an update would be entered into processor 30, so subsequent barcode reader 25 queries would yield this additional information on output display 35. It should be noted that a variety of information can be associated with each tool, and should not be construed to be limited to that which is specifically set forth herein.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. By way of example, modifications considered include setting up for maintenance intervals creating alarms to wireless devices announcing time for tool maintenance, changes, or tear down reviews. It should also be understood that ranges of values set forth inherently include those values, as well as all increments between.
This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/605,366, filed Mar. 1, 2012.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61605366 | Mar 2012 | US |