Laser Pattern Formation for Uniform Marking on Conveyed Base Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pattern formation methods for base materials, such as PET bottles, suffer from variations in patterns due to inconsistencies in laser light path length and beam size, leading to inconsistent optical properties and reduced visibility of information.

Innovation Solution

A pattern formation apparatus that irradiates base materials with a laser to maintain a constant light path length and beam size, forming patterns with dot portions that have recesses and protrusions to enhance optical diffusion and visibility, thereby reducing pattern variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser irradiation is used to form patterns on base materials, then pattern formation speed and productivity are improved, but variation in light path length and beam size causes pattern inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern formation speedVSAvoidpattern consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the laser beam diameter to compensate for variations in light path length. As the base material moves through the irradiation unit at different positions, the beam diameter is dynamically changed to maintain constant irradiation energy density, thereby ensuring pattern consistency while enabling continuous high-speed production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of laser beam diameter based on the position of the base material. By adjusting the beam diameter parameter in response to light path length variations, the system maintains consistent irradiation conditions across different positions, resolving the contradiction between production speed and pattern uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If direct thermal processing or molding is used for marking, then label-free information display is achieved, but pattern variation occurs due to inconsistent processing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel-free marking capabilityVSAvoidpattern uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors the position of the base material and adjusts the laser beam diameter accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that despite variations in light path length caused by different positions or material characteristics, the irradiation energy density remains constant, achieving uniform patterns for label-free information display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If laser beam parameters are not adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but optical properties and visibility of formed patterns vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser system simplicityVSAvoidpattern visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic beam diameter adjustment to maintain constant irradiation energy density. This dynamic control compensates for light path length variations, ensuring consistent optical properties and pattern visibility without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple laser systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively reduces pattern variations and enhances visibility by maintaining consistent optical properties across multiple base materials, ensuring clear display of information without the need for labels.

Implementation Method 1

irradiate each of a plurality of base materials being conveyed, with laser such that one of a light path length and a beam size at a position of the plurality of base materials is approximately constant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

based on direct thermal processing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal processing: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3995249B1Pattern formation apparatus for base material and pattern formation method
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3995249B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3995249B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3995249B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A pattern formation apparatus is configured to irradiate each of a plurality of base materials (1a) being conveyed, with laser such that one of a light path length and a beam size at a position of the plurality of base materials (1a) is approximately constant, to form a pattern (11) on a surface of each of the plurality of base materials (1a).