Laser-Processed Container Image with Bossed Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming images on containers, such as using carbon dioxide lasers or ultraviolet wavelength processing, face challenges in achieving high resolution and productivity due to limitations in focusing laser light within small spot diameters, leading to poor visibility and increased material degradation.
Innovation Solution
A container with an image comprising dented and non-dented portions formed by laser processing, where the dented portions have a cyclically changing width and bossed portions, enhancing diffuse reflectance and visibility without the need for ink, thus improving recyclability and visibility of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser light is focused within a small spot diameter to form high-resolution images, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image formation process into multiple scanning passes. The laser beam scans the container surface multiple times with different line patterns, gradually building up the complete image. This segmentation allows each scan to use a relatively large spot diameter for high productivity, while the cumulative effect of multiple scans achieves the desired high resolution through progressive refinement of the dented portions.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional laser methods are used to form images, then visibility is improved through direct marking, but material degradation increases due to excessive heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning action where the laser beam repeatedly scans the same regions in a rhythmic pattern. This periodic action allows the material to cool down between scans, preventing excessive heat accumulation and degradation. The laser forms dented portions through repeated thermal cycling rather than continuous high-power exposure, thereby maintaining image visibility while reducing harmful thermal effects on the container material.
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
The solution provides a container with improved visibility and recyclability by increasing diffuse reflectance and contrast, allowing for clear display of information like letters and characters, even on transparent materials, while preventing material deformation and simplifying the recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the surface of a resin print plate with laser light and removing the resin from the portions irradiated with the laser light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a container including a container body, and an image on the container body. The image includes a plurality of dented portions and non-dented portions. Each of the dented portions is formed of a plurality of processed portions. The plurality of processed portions are disposed linearly, contacting or overlapping each other along a first scanning direction. A width of each of the dented portions in a second scanning direction orthogonal to the first scanning direction changes cyclically along the first scanning direction. Each of the dented portions has bossed portions along the first scanning direction between adjoining ones of the processed portions.