Laser Personalization Device with Pivoted Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking devices for security documents become bulky and inefficient as the size of the marking area increases due to optical and mechanical limitations in beam deflection, making decentralized marking difficult.
Innovation Solution
A compact laser personalization device design that includes a two-coordinate deflection device and plane field optics with a pivoted main axis, allowing the beam path to be 'folded' by using a deflection unit between the marking plane and optics, enabling flexible beam focusing and reduced overall height through the use of a plane mirror and focus adjustment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the marking area size is increased, then the marking capability is improved, but the device height increases due to optical path length requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by pivoting the planar optical system's main axis relative to the surface normal of the target marking plane, creating an angled optical path. This allows the beam path to be 'folded' using a deflection unit (plane mirror) arranged between the optical system and marking plane, effectively reducing the vertical height requirement while maintaining the necessary optical path length for large area marking.
2Area of stationary object
If the optical path length is increased to accommodate larger marking areas, then the marking coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension to the optical path design. By pivoting the planar optical system and using a deflection unit to fold the beam path, the system achieves extended marking area coverage without proportionally increasing device height or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection unit (plane mirror) serves as an intermediary element that redirects the laser beam at an angle, enabling the optical path to be folded back onto itself. This mediator allows the system to achieve extended optical path length for large area marking while maintaining a compact vertical profile.
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 efficient and compact laser marking of large security documents by allowing precise beam focusing at any angle, maintaining optimal optical conditions and reducing the device's overall height while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a two-coordinate deflection device for selectively deflecting the laser beam by different solid angles
Implementation Method 2
a planar optical system such that the laser beam deflected by different solid angles is focused at different positions of a target marking plane
Implementation Method 3
which promote the absorption of laser radiation. The energy absorbed during the absorption of the laser radiation is used to modify the plastic material
Implementation Method 4
The energy absorbed during the absorption of the laser radiation is used to modify the plastic material of the appropriately prepared sheet. In particular, chemical bonds of the polymers from which the plastic material is formed are broken, and carbonization is induced
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for laser marking, more particularly for laser personalization of security documents, which comprises: a laser (2) for generating a laser beam (3), a two-coordinate deflection device (5) for targeted deflection of the laser beam (3) by different solid angles, and a plane field optical unit (6), such that the laser beam deflected at different solid angles is focused at different positions of a desired marking plane (20), wherein a deflection unit (31) is arranged between the desired marking plane (20) and the plane field optical unit (6) and an optical axis (21) of the plane field optical unit (6) is pivoted relative to the normal (22) to the surface of the desired marking plane (20).