Laser-Engraved Flexible Wood Element for Fashion and Furniture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting rigid wood materials into flexible structures are inefficient due to manual processing, leading to issues of precision, time consumption, high material usage, labor-intensive operations, and increased costs, limiting their application in clothing, design, and other industries.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer flexible element made of wood is produced through laser engraving and/or cutting, combining a rigid wood layer with a flexible support material connected by high-elasticity adhesive, using vector graphics to guide the laser processing, which creates a flexible and soft material suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual processing methods are used to create flexible wood structures, then flexibility and adaptability are achieved, but precision, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processing with an automated laser system that uses optical energy to engrave and cut wood materials. The laser device, controlled by computer software, automatically creates precise patterns and grooves without manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining the flexibility needed for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of wood material through controlled laser heating. By adjusting laser parameters (power, speed, pattern density), the wood undergoes localized thermal processing that creates flexible structures with varying degrees of softness and adaptability, transforming rigid wood into flexible material suitable for clothing and furniture applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual processing methods are used to create flexible wood structures, then flexibility is achieved, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processing with an automated laser system that uses optical energy to engrave and cut wood materials. The laser device, controlled by computer software, automatically creates precise patterns and grooves without manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining the flexibility needed for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital vector graphics and computer-controlled laser systems to replicate precise patterns repeatedly. The design is stored as digital data that can be copied and executed with high precision across multiple pieces, ensuring consistency and accuracy that cannot be achieved through manual processing.
3Productivity
If automated laser processing is used to convert wood into flexible material, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a laser device that can perform multiple functions (engraving, cutting, texturing) using a single system. The same laser apparatus, controlled by software, can create various patterns and structures depending on the programmed parameters, reducing the need for multiple specialized machines and simplifying the overall production setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser processing system is controlled by computer software that automatically manages the complex parameters and operations. Once the design is programmed, the system executes the processing autonomously without requiring complex manual control mechanisms, allowing the device to self-regulate the manufacturing process.
4Loss of substance
If traditional manual assembly methods are used for wooden structures, then material usage is optimized, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary cutting, engraving, and texturing operations on the wood material before final assembly. The laser system precisely prepares all components in advance with exact dimensions and surface treatments, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and rework during assembly, thereby reducing both material waste and total production time.
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
This process ensures high-speed, precise, and versatile conversion of wood into flexible materials, enhancing their use in fashion, furniture, and design, while ensuring operator safety and producing permanent, unalterable designs, expanding their application range from textiles to automotive industries.
Implementation Method 1
engraving and/or cutting of said layer of rigid material, guided by the above-mentioned texture, by fusion and high temperature evaporation caused by a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
means of connection of said layer of rigid material to said layer of flexible support material, in example by glue
Data Source
AI summary
Multilayer flexible element (10), preferably made of wood, and related production process (50) by laser engraving and/or cutting, preferably applied in fashion, furniture and design industries, characterized in that said element is composed of: - a layer of rigid material (11), supplied in sheets or plates, preferably made of wood; - a layer of flexible support material (12), in example a tissue, onto which is connected said layer of rigid material (11); - means of connection (13) of said layer of rigid material (11) to said layer of flexible support material (12), in example by glue, characterized by high elasticity and resistance to temperature changes; - a texture in vector graphics (14) which will define the cutting of the workpiece material, his flexibility and the consequent modeling and softness; wherein said process (50) comprises the following steps: - connection (51) of said layer of rigid material (11) to said layer of flexible support material (12), in example by glue; - design (52) of said texture in vector graphics (14), and download into a control system of an industrial device suitable to generate and focus a high power laser beam; - engraving (53) and/or cutting of said layer of rigid material (11), guided by the above- mentioned texture (14), by fusion and high temperature evaporation caused by a laser beam; in order to make flexible some rigid materials, like in example wood and similar materials, and suitable as decorative and/or functional elements for covering in fashion, furniture and design industries.