Laser Marking Through Transparent Wrapping for Cigarette Packages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking packages of consumer articles, such as cigarette packs, face challenges in marking through protective wrapping materials without damaging them, and in efficiently tracking defective packages that are rejected during wrapping.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses a laser beam to mark packages through transparent wrapping materials, allowing for marking after wrapping and enabling the identification of defective packages before they are grouped, using a laser beam with specific wavelengths and power to inscribe information on sensitive coatings without affecting the wrapping materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If marking is performed before wrapping, then the marking can be applied directly to the package surface, but defective packages cannot be identified and removed before marking
Solution Approach 1:
The package is wrapped with transparent wrapping material before marking. This preliminary wrapping action enables subsequent identification and removal of defective packages before the marking process, ensuring that only high-quality packages are marked and tracked.
2Reliability
If conventional marking methods are used on wrapped packages, then the wrapping material protects the package, but the marking process damages the wrapping material
Solution Approach 1:
A laser beam with specific wavelength parameters is used to mark through the transparent wrapping material without damaging it. The laser parameters are carefully selected to allow energy transmission through the wrapping material while still enabling effective marking of the underlying package surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent wrapping material serves as an intermediary that allows the laser beam to pass through and mark the package underneath without being damaged itself. This intermediary role enables non-contact marking while preserving the protective function of the wrapping material.
3Loss of information
If tracking codes are assigned to all packages including defective ones, then all packages can be tracked, but database updates are required when packages are rejected
Solution Approach 1:
Packages are wrapped and inspected for defects before the marking and tracking code assignment occurs. This preliminary quality check ensures that only acceptable packages receive tracking codes, eliminating the need for database updates when defective packages are rejected.
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 convenient and user-friendly marking of individual and grouped packages, ensuring that only high-quality packages are marked, reducing the need to update tracking codes and allowing for efficient removal of defective packages from the production path.
Implementation Method 1
the step of providing a marking on the region of the enclosure includes irradiating the wrapped package with a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the wrapped package with a laser beam, wherein the first wrapping material is substantially transparent to the laser beam, at least in the region to be marked
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
This invention provides a method of marking a package (P) of articles, especially consumer articles, such as cigarettes or the like, the method comprising: providing a package (P) of one or more articles, the package (P) comprising an enclosure (2), especially a container, that accommodates the one or more articles; providing a first wrapping material (4) and wrapping the package (P) with the first wrapping material (4); and providing a marking (M) on a region (R) of the enclosure (2) after wrapping the package (P) with the first wrapping material (4); wherein the step of providing a marking (M) on the region (R) of the enclosure (2) includes irradiating the wrapped package (P) with a laser beam (B), and wherein the first wrapping material (4) is substantially transparent to the laser beam (B), at least in the region (R) to be marked. The invention also provides an apparatus (1) for marking a package (P) of articles, such as a pack of cigarettes, comprising: a wrapping unit (3) configured to wrap the package (P) of one or more articles with a first wrapping material (4), the package (P) comprising an enclosure (2) which accommodates the articles, wherein the first wrapping material (4) covers the enclosure (2); and a marking unit (5) comprising a laser (L) for irradiating the wrapped package (P) with a laser beam (B) to provide a marking (M) on a region (R) of the enclosure (2), wherein the first wrapping material (4) is substantially transparent to the laser beam (B), at least in the region (R) to be marked.