Laser Printing Layout for Packaging Film Reflection Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packaging apparatus with laser printing devices pose safety concerns due to the risk of laser light reflection affecting human eyes, and existing solutions do not adequately address this issue.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a receiving member with a reflection suppressing surface positioned to oppose the non-printed side of the film, which absorbs or diffuses laser light, combined with a moving device to adjust the laser printing device's position and a control unit to ensure the reflection suppressing surface aligns with the laser emission area, and a cover to obstruct direct laser light passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a laser printing device is installed in the packaging apparatus, then the advantages of eliminating consumable replacement and cleaning operations are achieved, but safety risks arise from laser light reflection affecting human eyes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidlaser light reflection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A receiving member is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser printing device and the external environment. This receiving member includes a reflection suppressing surface that intercepts and suppresses regular reflection of laser light, preventing the reflected light from reaching operators' eyes while allowing the laser printing operation to continue efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful regular reflection of laser light into a beneficial controlled reflection pattern. By designing the receiving member with specific surface characteristics, the originally harmful reflected light is redirected in a controlled manner that no longer poses a risk to operators, thus transforming the harmful effect into a safe operation condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a receiving member with reflection suppressing surface is added to suppress laser light reflection, then safety is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser light reflection riskVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the laser printing device, manages the optical path of reflected light, and provides structural stability. By integrating these functions into a single component rather than using separate parts for each function, the invention reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining safety effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the support structure and the reflection suppression function into a single integrated receiving member. Instead of having a separate support bracket and a separate optical safety component, these functions are combined in one element, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing part count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Significantly reduces the risk of laser light reflection affecting human eyes by ensuring the reflection suppressing surface effectively absorbs or diffuses the laser light, enhancing safety and operational efficiency while minimizing the number of parts required.

Implementation Method 1

The receiving member has a reflection suppressing surface. The reflection suppressing surface is configured to suppress regular reflection of laser light emitted by the laser printing device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRegular reflection suppression: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the receiving member is provided with the reflection suppressing surface that suppresses regular reflection of the laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4286285A1Packaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP4286285A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286285A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286285A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bagmaking and packaging machine (1000) packages articles with a film (F). The bagmaking and packaging machine includes a laser printing device (230) and a receiving member (240). The laser printing device prints on a printed surface (Fa) of the film. The receiving member is disposed so as to oppose a non-printed surface (Fb) on the opposite side of the printed surface of the film. The receiving member has a reflection suppressing surface (242). The reflection suppressing surface suppresses regular reflection of laser light emitted by the laser printing device.