Battery Marking via Laser Engraving for Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for marking electrical energy accumulators, such as button cells, face issues with adhesion, durability, and the potential for markings to disrupt electrical contact or be easily erased, while also limiting color choices and increasing manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A battery with markings created by local heating of the material, specifically using laser engraving to form electrically conductive or non-conductive markings that include grooves forming a diffraction grating, allowing for durable and adaptable markings that do not interfere with electrical contact, and can be used for charge state monitoring, anti-counterfeit purposes, or as decorative elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ink or paint is deposited on the battery surface for marking, then the marking method is simple and easy to adapt, but the adhesion is poor and the marking can be easily erased or scratched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking method simplicityVSAvoidmarking durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical deposition method (ink or paint application) with a thermal field method (laser local heating). The laser locally heats the battery case material to create permanent markings through controlled material removal or coloration, eliminating adhesion issues inherent in deposited layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the battery case material through controlled local heating. By adjusting laser parameters (power, duration, focal point), the material undergoes phase changes or chemical transformations that create permanent markings directly in the case material rather than applying external substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a deposited layer of ink or paint is used for marking, then the marking can be applied easily, but the contact area of the battery decreases and electrical contact may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking application easeVSAvoidelectrical contact area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies markings locally on the battery case surface through targeted laser heating. The thermal energy is concentrated only in the specific areas where markings are needed, leaving the rest of the surface (including electrical contact areas) completely unaffected and maintaining their original conductivity and contact properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If stamping is used to form markings by plastically deforming the case, then the marking is durable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex requiring different punches for each marking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stamping system (requiring physical punches and dies) with a laser-based thermal field system. The laser can be programmed to create any marking pattern through software control, eliminating the need for physical tooling changes and significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining marking durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simple, durable, and adaptable marking process that maintains electrical contact integrity, offers flexible color options, and reduces manufacturing complexity, while enabling visible or concealed markings for various applications, including charge state indication and anti-counterfeit features.

Implementation Method 1

local heating of the material, specifically using laser engraving

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

local heating of the material forming the marking removes material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

marking including a plurality of grooves forming a diffraction grating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS9843065B2Battery with structured surface

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD

AI summary

The present invention concerns a battery including an anode case, an anode situated inside the anode case, a cathode case fixed to the anode case, a seal sealing the cathode case to the anode case, a cathode situated inside the cathode case between the anode and the cathode case, and a membrane between the anode and the cathode, said battery being characterized in that one outer surface of said accumulator includes at least one marking created by local heating of material, said marking being electrically conductive.