Laser-Marked Wheel Fasteners With Corrosion-Resistant Decoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative wheel fasteners lack effective methods for creating durable, aesthetically appealing, and corrosion-resistant decorative markings that meet both durability and appearance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser etching and laser annealing techniques to create decorative marks on stainless-steel fasteners, which alter the surface finish and reflectivity to achieve desired color and durability, combined with a friction-controlled coating for added protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional decorative coating methods are used on fasteners, then decorative appearance can be achieved, but corrosion resistance and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coating processes (electroplating, anodizing, painting) with laser marking technology. The laser beam directly modifies the fastener surface through ablation or annealing to create decorative patterns without adding coating layers, thereby maintaining the base material's corrosion-resistant properties while achieving aesthetic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The laser marking process applies decorative treatment only to specific surface areas of the fastener where aesthetic enhancement is desired, leaving the bulk material and critical structural areas unchanged. This localized modification preserves the overall corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity of the fastener
2Shape
If laser marking is applied to create decorative patterns, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but surface integrity and corrosion resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of laser-induced surface modification into a benefit by using controlled laser annealing that creates a compressed, oxidized surface layer. This layer, which could initially seem to compromise surface integrity, actually enhances corrosion resistance by forming a protective barrier while simultaneously creating the desired decorative coloration and patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent precisely controls laser processing parameters (power, speed, pulse duration, wavelength) to achieve the desired balance between decorative effect and surface integrity. By optimizing these parameters, the laser marking creates aesthetically pleasing patterns while maintaining or even enhancing the surface's resistance to corrosion and environmental degradation
3Reliability
If multiple protective coatings are applied to maintain corrosion resistance, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate protective coating steps from the manufacturing process. By using laser marking on the base material itself, the decorative and protective functions are integrated into a single process, removing the complexity of applying, curing, and quality-checking multiple coating layers
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 method produces fasteners with aesthetically acceptable decorative marks that pass corrosion and durability tests, such as salt spray testing, without compromising the material's integrity or requiring additional protective coatings.
Implementation Method 1
The use of laser etching and laser annealing techniques to create decorative marks on stainless-steel fasteners, which alter the surface finish and reflectivity to achieve desired color and durability
Implementation Method 2
The use of laser etching and laser annealing techniques to create decorative marks on stainless-steel fasteners, which alter the surface finish and reflectivity to achieve desired color and durability
Implementation Method 3
The fastener body has a friction-controlled coating
Data Source
AI summary
The fastener assembly includes a fastener body having a threaded portion at a lower end, and a stem portion at an upper end. A cap has side walls defining a wrenching surface and a top surface connecting the top surface where the cap is secure to the stem portion on the upper end of the fastener body. The assembly also includes a decorative laser mark defined on the top surface of the cap.