Laser-Welded Enclosure With Embedded Optical ID Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures for protecting electronics and sensors in harsh environments lack efficient methods for embedding information without damaging the outer surface, and there is a need for a compact and reliable way to provide identification and communication capabilities while maintaining hermetic sealing and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed enclosure comprising at least two substrates with a laser weld zone that contains an information pattern, allowing for the embedding of data within the weld zone without compromising the outer surface, using transparent substrates for laser welding and encoding information through variations in laser weld line characteristics such as width, length, and spacing, enabling optical reading and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If information is embedded in the enclosure by opening or manipulating it, then information can be stored, but the outer surface is damaged or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The information pattern is created in the laser weld zone during the laser welding process itself, before the enclosure is completed and sealed. This preliminary embedding of information during manufacturing avoids the need to open or manipulate the enclosure later, thus preserving outer surface integrity while storing identification data
Solution Approach 2:
The laser weld zone serves as an intermediary medium that simultaneously performs two functions: joining the substrates hermetically and embedding the information pattern. By using the weld zone itself as the information carrier rather than adding separate marking elements, the solution avoids damaging the outer surface while achieving information storage
2Volume of moving object
If the enclosure size is reduced for compactness, then portability improves, but space for information storage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The information storage function is merged with the structural laser weld zone that is already necessary for hermetically sealing the enclosure. By combining these two functions into a single zone, the solution eliminates the need for separate information storage elements that would increase enclosure volume, thus maintaining compactness while enabling information storage
Solution Approach 2:
The laser weld zone is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing hermetic sealing between substrates and embedding information patterns. This multi-functionality allows the enclosure to maintain a compact size without sacrificing information storage capability, as the same structural element performs both sealing and data storage roles
3Ease of manufacture
If transparent substrates are used for laser welding, then welding and optical communication are enabled, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solution changes the optical parameters of the substrates by making them transparent or translucent to laser wavelengths, enabling both laser welding and optical communication functions. This parameter change in material optical properties allows the same substrate material to support multiple functions (structural, sealing, and communication) while maintaining material versatility through selection of appropriate transparent materials
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 provides a compact, reliable, and robust enclosure that allows for embedded information to be read optically, enhancing traceability and communication while maintaining hermetic sealing and mechanical resistance, suitable for harsh environments and small form factors.
Implementation Method 1
The hermetically sealed enclosure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate is directly bonded to the second substrate by means of a laser weld line
Implementation Method 2
The second substrate is made transparent at least in part (of its volume or surface) and/or at least for a bandwidth of wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The at least one laser weld zone comprises an information pattern, in which an information is stored
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure is shown, comprising at least a first substrate having an outer surface and a second substrate having an outer surface, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged next to each other in such a way, that an inner surface of the first substrate is adjacent to an inner surface of the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is transparent at least in part and/or at least for a bandwidth of wavelengths, at least one laser weld zone containing an information pattern in the enclosure, wherein the at least one laser weld zone extends from within the first substrate to within the second substrate and permanently joins the first substrate to the second substrate.