Laser-Engraved Connector Shell Labels for Durable Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional self-adhesive labels on electronic connectors are prone to peeling, smearing, and difficulty in scanning, and they pose health risks due to printing inks and adhesives. Additionally, manual application is time-consuming and error-prone, especially for small and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser engraving technology to directly engrave labels onto the metal shell of connectors, eliminating the need for self-adhesive labels and their associated issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-adhesive labels with printed text are used on connectors, then product information can be displayed, but the printed text and patterns are easily peeled off, smear after rubbing, and are difficult to scan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical printing system with laser engraving technology. Instead of using ink that dries on the label surface, a laser beam directly engraves the text and patterns onto the connector housing, creating permanent marks that are resistant to peeling and smearing while maintaining high scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the self-adhesive label substrate and printing ink from the labeling system. By directly engraving information onto the connector housing, the solution removes the problematic components (label material and ink) that cause peeling, smearing, and scanning issues
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional printing technology is used on self-adhesive labels, then product information can be printed, but small, high-precision and high-complexity text and patterns cannot be printed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional printing technology with laser engraving, which uses a focused laser beam to directly etch text and patterns onto the connector housing. This optical-thermal process can achieve much higher precision and complexity in text and pattern formation compared to conventional printing methods
3Ease of operation
If self-adhesive labels are manually applied to connectors, then labeling can be done, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service labeling approach where the connector housing itself serves as the label substrate. The laser engraving system automatically positions and engraves text and patterns directly onto the housing, eliminating the need for manual label application and reducing errors while increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the labeling function with the connector housing manufacturing process. By integrating laser engraving into the production line, the labeling operation is combined with the housing formation process, eliminating separate manual labeling steps and improving overall efficiency
4Loss of information
If the substrate exceeds the boundary of the labeling part, then product information can be displayed, but the substrate will squeeze against conductive shrapnel during plugging and unplugging, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the excess substrate material that extends beyond the labeling part boundary. By directly engraving onto the housing surface, there is no separate label substrate to interfere with conductive shrapnel during connector insertion and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the connector housing surface itself as the intermediary for information display, eliminating the need for a separate label substrate. The engraved text and patterns are formed directly on the housing, ensuring that no material extends beyond the labeling boundary to cause interference with EMI shielding structures
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
Laser-engraved labels provide durability, clarity, and ease of scanning, while avoiding health risks and manual application errors, and enable high-precision and rapid production of complex designs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser engraving device generating a laser beam, and controlling the laser beam to engrave a label on a labeling part of a metal shell of a connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and labeling forming method thereof is provided. The method includes: a laser engraving device generating a laser beam, and controlling the laser beam to engrave a label on a labeling part of a metal shell of a connector. The connector includes a metal shell and a label. The metal shell has a labeling part and the label is engraved on the labeling part by a laser beam. As such, the invention can engrave the label on the labeling part of the metal shell of the connector by using the laser engraving technology to replace the traditional self-adhesive label, thereby being able to solve all the problems caused by the self-adhesive label.