Laser-Marked Processing Layer for Multi-Appearance Personalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser personalization equipment typically uses a single laser source to produce monochrome marks, limiting the ability to create multi-coloured or multi-appearance personalizations, requiring more sophisticated and expensive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A data carrier with a processing layer containing reactive and unreactive elements that interact differently with electromagnetic radiation, allowing for the generation of multi-appearance personalization elements through a single laser source, utilizing reactive elements that react to radiation and unreactive elements that remain unchanged or transform into further elements, creating distinct appearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single laser source is used for personalization, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to produce multi-colour or multi-appearance marks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The processing layer is divided into multiple regions with different appearances (e.g., first appearance and second appearance) that respond differently to laser irradiation. By applying local quality differentiation through distinct material properties in different areas, the system achieves multi-appearance personalization using a single laser source without requiring multiple laser sources or complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing layer comprises a composite structure including reactive elements, unreactive elements, and carrier material with different optical and physical properties. This composite material approach allows different regions to exhibit different appearances and responses to laser radiation, enabling multi-colour or multi-appearance marks while maintaining simple laser equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reactive and unreactive elements are used in the processing layer, then multi-appearance personalization is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The processing layer is segmented into distinct functional components: reactive elements, unreactive elements, and carrier material. Each segment has specific functions - reactive elements interact with laser radiation to generate personalization marks, while unreactive elements provide structural support and maintain appearance. This segmentation enables complex multi-appearance functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process through standardized material application.
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 easy and widespread realization of multi-colour or multi-appearance personalizations on data carriers without the need for complex or expensive equipment, leveraging a single laser source to generate varied and selective personalization effects.
Implementation Method 1
The reactive elements are configured to interact with impinging electromagnetic radiation upon a processing of the processing layer
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic radiation is preferably emitted by a specific source of electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser
Implementation Method 3
upon the interaction of the reactive elements with the impinging electromagnetic radiation, at least some of the unreactive elements are transformed into further reacted elements
Implementation Method 4
an ink producing reactive elements (e.g. an element being a drop of ink or multiple drops, optionally furthermore hardened into a print, and optionally furthermore ablated by a laser)
Implementation Method 5
the reactive elements can be radiation-sensitive elements such as radiation-absorbing elements, which are ablated or evaporated upon the irradiation of the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A data carrier (1) extends along an extension direction (E) and comprises at least one carrier body (2) and at least one processing layer (3). The processing layer (3), at least in an unprocessed state of the processing layer (3), comprises one or more reactive elements (4) and one or more unreactive elements (5). The reactive elements (4) are configured to interact with impinging electromagnetic radiation (R) upon a processing of the processing layer (3). The processing layer (3), in a processed state of the processing layer (3), comprises one or more reacted elements (6) being generated from the reactive elements (4). The processing layer (3) in the processed state furthermore comprises one or more further reacted elements (7) being generated from one or more of the unreactive elements (5) upon the interaction of the reactive elements (4) with the impinging electromagnetic radiation (R) and furthermore comprises one or more unreactive elements (5) remaining non-interacting. The processing layer (3) in the processed state furthermore comprises at least one personalization element (100), which personalization element (100) comprises or consists of the non-interacting unreactive elements (8).