Laser Coating Removal on Transparent Lighting Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing recesses in the coatings of transparent components, such as those in vehicle headlights, face challenges with complex geometries, as they often require the use of masks or templates that are not feasible for intricate designs, and cannot efficiently create recesses on both faces of components.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser beam to remove coatings on both the front and rear faces of transparent components, where the laser beam is focused and directed through the component without significant absorption, allowing for the creation of complex recesses on both surfaces in a single clamping process, utilizing a device with an adjustable laser source and mounting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If masks or templates are used to produce recesses in the coating, then the coating process can be simplified, but complex geometries cannot be achieved and recesses cannot be created on both faces of the component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mask/template system with a laser beam system. The laser beam can be precisely controlled to remove coating material from complex geometries and from both faces of the component without requiring physical masks or templates, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and adaptability to complex designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by directing the laser beam from both the front and rear faces of the component. This allows recesses to be created on both faces of the component, which is not possible with traditional single-sided mask methods, thereby achieving dual-face recess capability while maintaining process simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a laser beam is used to remove coating from both faces of the component, then complex geometries and dual-face recesses can be achieved, but the laser beam must pass through the transparent component without significant absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, power) that are optimized for the transparent component material. By changing these parameters, the laser beam can pass through the component with minimal absorption while still having sufficient energy to remove the coating material on both faces, thereby achieving both adaptability and reliability
3Productivity
If the coating is removed locally by laser from both faces, then light gadgets can be produced, but the process must be performed in a single clamping operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting system to be multi-functional, serving both the coating deposition process and the subsequent laser processing. This universal mounting system allows the component to be clamped once and processed on both faces without repositioning, thereby achieving high productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration
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 the production of complex recesses in transparent components with reduced setup times and the ability to create light gadgets like logos and lettering by allowing light to pass through both faces of the component, facilitating the creation of intricate designs in lighting devices.
Implementation Method 1
removing a first coating on a front face of the component using a laser beam which is directed from the front face of the first coating onto the component
Implementation Method 2
the laser beam is generated by means of a laser beam source which generates the laser beam with a wavelength that is transparent to the component
Implementation Method 3
removing a second coating on an opposite rear face of the component using the same laser beam which additionally is directed from the front face onto the component and removes the second coating by passing through the transparent component
Implementation Method 4
to remove the first coating, the laser beam is focused on the front face of the component. In the same way, to remove the second coating, the laser beam is focused on the rear face of the component
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing recesses in a coating of transparent components of a lighting device, wherein the recess is produced by locally removing the coating using a laser beam. A first coating is removed on a front face of the component using a laser beam which is directed from the front face of the first coating onto the component, and a second coating is removed on an opposite rear face of the component using the same laser beam which is additionally directed from the front face onto the component and removes the second coating by passing through the transparent component.