Laser Drilling Drip Irrigation Tubes with Surface Labeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing drip irrigation pipes require additional time and equipment for labeling, as they involve separate processes for creating outlet openings and applying labels, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a laser drilling device with adjustable radiation intensity to create both outlet openings and alphanumeric labels on the surface of the pipes during the same production process, leveraging the existing equipment to simplify and streamline the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a separate labeling process is used after pipe production, then labels can be applied to the pipes, but additional time and equipment are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the labeling function with the existing laser drilling device used for creating outlet openings. The laser device performs dual functions: drilling outlet holes at high power and burning labels at reduced power, eliminating the need for separate labeling equipment and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser drilling device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both outlet opening creation and label application. The same laser beam, optics, and positioning system are used for both operations, with only the power intensity needing adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If additional marking equipment is introduced for labeling, then labeling can be performed, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser drilling device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both outlet opening creation and label application. The same laser beam, optics, and positioning system are used for both operations, with only the power intensity needing adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser power intensity is varied to perform different functions: high intensity for drilling outlet openings and reduced intensity for burning labels. This parameter change allows one device to perform multiple operations that would traditionally require different equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If high radiation intensity is used for drilling outlet openings, then precise holes are created, but the dosing element may be damaged causing leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet opening precisionVSAvoiddosing element integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The laser operation is divided into distinct phases with different power intensities. First, high-power drilling creates the outlet opening, then the power is reduced for label burning. This periodic variation in intensity prevents damage to the dosing element while achieving both objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The laser power intensity is dynamically adjusted during the process: high intensity during drilling to create precise outlet openings, then reduced to lower intensity for label application. This parameter change ensures both precision and component protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the simultaneous production and labeling of drip irrigation pipes without additional equipment, reducing time and costs by utilizing the laser drilling device to create precise outlet openings and inscriptions, ensuring efficient and cost-effective manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a laser drilling device with a predetermined beam intensity through which the water guided in the tubular body can escape drop by drop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

the radiation intensity of the laser drilling device is reduced between the drilling processes, that the laser beam is guided over the surface of the drip irrigation pipe in a controlled manner via laser optics interacting with the laser drilling device and alphanumeric characters are burned into this surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser burning: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP2189057B1Method of manufacturing drip irrigation tubes
Publication Date: 2011.03.30 THE MACHINES YVONAND
  • EP2189057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2189057B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2189057B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves extruding a pipe body (2) in which dosing elements is inserted. The dosing elements are connected with an inner side of the body. Outlet openings are introduced in the body in an area of the dosing elements with a laser drill device (8) with radiation intensities. Water in the pipe body is discharged into the openings in drops. The radiation intensities of the laser drill device are reduced during drilling processes. A laser beam is guided over a laser optics cooperating with the laser drill device. The laser beam is fired on a surface alphanumeric character.