Laser Carbonization Printing on Regular Paper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face limitations such as limited ink cartridge capacity and nozzle clogging due to ink drying when not in use, and existing inkless printers require special heat-sensitive paper, restricting their application with regular paper objects.
Innovation Solution
A printing device and method utilizing a laser-induced carbonization process on regular paper, where a laser creates a black pigment and organic volatiles act as an adhesive binder, allowing for permanent printing without ink, with a movable polygon mirror and transparent cover to control the carbonization process and maintain a low oxygen environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ink-based printing is used, then printing functionality is achieved, but ink cartridges have limited capacity and nozzles clog when not used for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printing function from ink-based systems and implements it through direct laser carbonization of paper. By removing the ink cartridge and nozzle components entirely, the system eliminates the problems of limited ink capacity and nozzle clogging, achieving unlimited printing capability on regular paper through optical-energy-based direct carbonization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ink delivery system (cartridges, nozzles, pumps) with an optical system (laser beam). The laser directly carbonizes paper fibers at targeted locations without requiring physical contact or ink transfer mechanisms, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical ink delivery systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal printers are used to print on regular paper, then inkless printing is achieved, but special heat-sensitive paper is required which limits application versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal processing parameters by using a highly concentrated, focused laser beam that delivers extreme localized heat to carbonize only specific areas of regular paper. This selective carbonization approach allows printing on standard paper without requiring special heat-sensitive coatings, thereby improving paper type compatibility while maintaining a relatively simple printing process.
3Device complexity
If a one-axis positioning system with laser inside the roller is used, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical wear and inertial forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (one-axis positioning with moving laser inside roller) with an optical scanning system using a movable mirror. The mirror directs the laser beam across the paper surface without mechanical contact with the paper or roller, eliminating mechanical wear and reducing inertial forces while maintaining precise positioning capability through optical means.
4Productivity
If laser power is increased to improve printing speed, then productivity increases, but energy consumption and heat dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a focused laser beam that concentrates energy into a very small spot on the paper surface. This localized energy delivery carbonizes only the minimal area needed for each print element, maximizing printing speed while minimizing total energy consumption. The high power density in the focal spot achieves rapid carbonization without requiring high overall laser power.
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
Enables high-speed, inkless printing on regular paper with improved mechanical efficiency and reduced mechanical wear, producing a permanent and homogenous image with controlled darkness and surface smoothness, while minimizing oxygen exposure and odor.
Implementation Method 1
selectively heating regions of special heat-sensitive paper
Implementation Method 2
The carbonization reaction on the one hand produces char that acts as a black pigment on the paper object
Implementation Method 3
organic volatiles that are also produced by the carbonization reaction are condensed on the paper object where they function as an adhesive binder for the char
Implementation Method 4
a substantially transparent cover is arranged between said laser and at least a to be heated part of said paper object... This transparent cover allows that at least the heated part of the paper object, which may be a very local area, is heated in a low oxygen environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for the selective carbonization of at least a part of a surface of a paper object, comprising: receiving means for receiving the paper object, at least one laser for selectively heating one or more parts of the surface of said paper object to a level wherein the heated part of said surface at least partly carbonizes and thereby changes color, and control means for controlling the laser. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the selective carbonization of at least a part of a surface of a paper object, comprising the steps of: receiving the object in receiving means, and controlling heating means with control means in order to selectively heat one or more parts the surface of said paper object to a level wherein the heated part of said surface at least partly carbonizes and thereby changes color.