Ignition Plug Marking via Laser Oxidation on Metal Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition plugs with ceramic bases face strength reduction issues due to laser-marking, which can lead to brittleness and decreased durability.
Innovation Solution
The ignition plug features a mark formed on a metal member using an oxide film, with specific reflectance portions to enhance reading accuracy and prevent strength loss, including a method where a laser beam is used to create a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code on metal components like the terminal and ground electrode, ensuring the mark is protected and readable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a mark is formed by radiating a laser beam onto the surface of a ceramic base, then traceability is improved, but the strength of the member decreases due to breaking risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal member as an intermediary carrier for the mark, separating the mark-forming function from the structural ceramic base. The metal member serves as a mediator that can be marked without compromising the integrity of the ceramic component, thus resolving the contradiction between traceability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition plug is divided into distinct functional components: a ceramic base for structural integrity and a separate metal member for marking. This segmentation allows the mark to be applied to the metal member without affecting the ceramic base's strength, simultaneously achieving traceability and maintaining structural strength.
2Loss of information
If a mark is provided on a ceramic member, then traceability is achieved, but brittleness increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal member acts as an intermediary that bears the mark while the ceramic base maintains its structural integrity. This separation ensures that the durability of the ceramic component is not compromised by the presence of the mark, resolving the contradiction between traceability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are assigned to different functional requirements: the ceramic base provides structural integrity and heat resistance, while the metal member provides a suitable surface for marking with good durability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction by optimizing each component for its specific function.
3Strength
If a mark is formed on a metal member using oxide film, then strength is maintained, but mark reading accuracy may be affected by reflectance variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes oxide film formation through laser irradiation to create marks with distinct optical properties. The oxide film creates contrast in reflectance that enables accurate optical reading while maintaining the underlying metal's strength, resolving the contradiction between strength preservation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mark formation process changes the physical and chemical parameters of the metal surface by creating an oxide film through controlled laser heating. This parameter change creates a readable mark with distinct reflectance characteristics while preserving the base metal's mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between strength and readability.
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 approach maintains the strength of the ignition plug while improving mark reading accuracy and preventing loss during plating removal, ensuring reliable traceability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a marking step of forming a mark that is formed of an oxide film or is formed of the metal member and the oxide film by radiating a laser beam onto a surface of the metal member
Implementation Method 2
forming a mark that is formed of an oxide film or is formed of the metal member and the oxide film by radiating a laser beam onto a surface of the metal member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An ignition plug (10) such as a spark plug or a glow plug configured to ignite an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine includes a mark (40, 60) that is formed of an oxide film (41, 61) generated on the surface of a metal member (20, 31) or is formed of the metal member and the oxide film. The mark is formed by promoting formation of the oxide film (41, 61) on the surface of the metal member or removing the oxide film through radiation of a laser beam onto the surface of the metal member.