Laser Carbonization of Print Layers for Glass Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for recycling glass from products, such as refrigerators, face challenges due to the strong bonding between glass and base materials using adhesive materials, making it difficult to separate glass without damaging the adhesive layer or causing re-fixing issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the carbonization of only the print layer between the glass and the adhesive layer using laser light, allowing for the separation of plate-like glass in a layer form without damaging the adhesive layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If glass is firmly bonded to base material with adhesive material for product design, then product strength and designability are improved, but glass separation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidglass separation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by carbonizing the print layer before separation. The laser irradiation pre-treats the print layer containing organic components, transforming it into a carbonized state that facilitates subsequent easy separation from the adhesive layer, while maintaining the original strong bonding during product use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical state parameter of the print layer from organic to carbonized form through laser irradiation. This parameter change transforms the print layer into a separable state without affecting the adhesive bonding strength during normal product operation, enabling easy glass separation when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If glass is separated during crushing process, then recycling efficiency is improved, but glass recycling is impossible due to loss of sheet form

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling efficiencyVSAvoidglass recyclability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary separation of glass from the product before crushing by carbonizing and removing the print layer. This preliminary action preserves the glass in sheet form, enabling both high recycling efficiency and glass recyclability, whereas separating during crushing would fragment the glass and prevent effective recycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If adhesive layer is damaged during separation, then separation ease is improved, but separation quality deteriorates due to re-fixing issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation easeVSAvoidseparation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively carbonizing only the print layer containing organic components while leaving the adhesive layer intact. The laser irradiation is localized to the print layer, creating a carbonized separable layer without damaging the adhesive, thus achieving both easy separation and high separation quality without re-fixing issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the carbonized print layer as an intermediary between the glass and the adhesive layer. The carbonized print layer acts as a separable interface that facilitates easy glass removal while preserving the adhesive layer's integrity, preventing re-fixing problems that would occur if the adhesive were damaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method enables efficient and high-speed separation of glass from various products, including large-sized items like refrigerators, by carbonizing the print layer to create a separable layer form, thus overcoming the limitations of re-fixing and adhesive damage.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating a print layer containing an organic component with laser light through the plate-like glass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser light absorption and heat generation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

carbonizing the organic component on an entire surface of the print layer through the irradiation of the print layer with the laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbonization through thermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250033346A1Method for separating glass

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

Plate-like glass 2 having a print layer bonded to base material 5 by adhesive layer 4 can be separated in a layer form from article 1 by irradiating print layer 3 with laser light 6, carbonizing an organic component on an entire surface of the print layer through irradiation, and separating the print layer in a layer form.