Laser Engraving Machine With Gripper Positioning for Deep Marks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engraving machines in retail settings are limited in their ability to efficiently engrave various materials with graphical inscriptions and fonts, as mechanical tools can only produce simple engravings, while CO2 laser-based machines create shallow marks that wear easily and take a long time to complete.
Innovation Solution
An engraving machine equipped with a laser head that includes a fiber laser or MOPA laser, a gripper head for item positioning, and a controller to determine the optimal distance and emit a laser beam for fast and versatile engraving of metallic and non-metallic materials with textual, graphical, and bar code inscriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If CO2 laser is used for engraving, then cost effectiveness is improved, but engraving depth and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of laser type from CO2 laser to fiber laser or MOPA laser. This parameter change enables deeper engraving (50-100 micrometers versus shallow marks) while maintaining cost effectiveness through the automated retail kiosk format. The fiber laser specifically provides better penetration depth for metallic and non-metallic materials.
2Device complexity
If CO2 laser or mechanical tool is used for engraving, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but engraving versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the laser head to accommodate multiple laser types (CO2, fiber, MOPA) and the gripper head to handle various item types and orientations. The system can engrave on metallic and non-metallic materials with different fonts and graphical inscriptions, making one machine versatile for multiple applications while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated controls.
3Device complexity
If traditional engraving methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but engraving speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical engraving tools with laser-based engraving systems. The laser head with fiber or MOPA laser provides rapid engraving capability, and the automated gripper head with positioning system eliminates manual operation. This substitution dramatically increases productivity by reducing engraving time from several minutes to a few seconds while maintaining automated operation suitable for retail environments.
4Use of energy by moving object
If shallow engraving is produced, then energy consumption is reduced, but mark durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the laser type parameter from CO2 to fiber or MOPA laser, which enables deeper engraving (50-100 micrometers) with controlled energy input. The fiber laser specifically provides better energy efficiency for deep engraving by concentrating energy more effectively, producing durable marks that resist wear while maintaining reasonable energy consumption levels.
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 rapid and deep engraving of diverse materials with high precision, allowing for quick production of customized items with graphical and textual content, addressing the limitations of mechanical and CO2 laser-based machines.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may also be configured to cause the laser generator in the laser head to emit a laser beam configured to engrave the item based on the inscription
Data Source
AI summary
An engraving machine may have a housing, a receptacle, and a laser head located within the housing. The receptacle may receive an item to be engraved. The laser head may have a laser generator. The engraving machine may have a gripper head to retrieve the item from the receptacle and to position the item relative to the laser head. The engraving machine may have a controller. The controller may receive an inscription to be engraved on the item, determine a distance of the laser head from the item, and position the laser head at the determined distance. The controller may also cause the laser generator in the laser head to emit a laser beam for engraving the item. Further, the controller may cause the gripper head to dispense the item into a dispensing bin.