Layered Laser-Marked Articles for Readable Decorative Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser-marking technologies struggle to achieve high-speed and high-precision marking of small characters and machine-readable codes on decorative articles, particularly when decorative coatings interfere with light transmission, making it difficult for machines to read codes.

Innovation Solution

A two-layer sheet material is developed with a first layer free of pigments and laser marking additives, and a second layer containing TiO2 or IR laser marking additives, ensuring high contrast and legibility of machine-readable codes by maintaining a specific concentration range, and a patch area with enhanced laser marking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If decorative coatings with pearlescent effects are applied to articles, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but light transmission is scattered making machine-readable codes difficult to read

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcode readability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coating into two distinct functional layers: a decorative outer layer containing pearlescent effects for aesthetic appearance, and an inner layer containing laser marking additives for code visibility. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and code readability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner layer acts as an intermediary between the decorative outer layer and the laser marking process. It contains laser marking additives that facilitate code visibility while being positioned beneath the decorative layer, allowing the decorative coating to maintain its aesthetic properties without scattering light that would obscure machine-readable codes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If single line of large spots is used for laser marking, then marking speed is improved, but precision and legibility of small font text deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking speedVSAvoidprecision of small font text

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the laser marking parameters by using a raster scanning approach with controlled pulse duration and repetition rate. This enables precise control over the marking process, allowing high-speed marking of small font text and machine-readable codes with improved precision compared to traditional single-line methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic laser pulsing with controlled duration and repetition rate to create precise marks. The periodic action allows the laser to mark multiple lines of text and codes efficiently while maintaining precision through controlled pulse parameters, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional laser marking is used on decorative articles, then marking process is simple, but machine-readable codes cannot be marked with high precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of marking processVSAvoidcode precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite coating structure combining decorative materials (pearlescent effects) with functional laser marking additives in a layered configuration. This composite structure enables both aesthetic appearance and high-precision machine-readable code marking, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and code precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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 enables fast, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly laser marking of small font text and machine-readable codes on decorative articles, enhancing consumer and machine readability without the need for traditional labels.

Implementation Method 1

A pulsed laser directs a laser beam to a patch on an outer surface of a sheet material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The pulsed laser marks the patch by directing the laser beam to the patch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLocalized heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a second layer containing TiO2 or IR laser marking additives, ensuring high contrast and legibility of machine-readable codes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12589609B2Laser marked articles with machine readable codes

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A sheet of material that is marked in a predetermined pattern with a pulsed laser on its outer surface. The sheet material is a layered material that has an outer surface and an inner surface separated by a core. There is a first layer comprising a first material beginning at the outer surface and extending into the core and there is a second layer containing the second material within the core. The outer surface further has a patch, that is a region of the outer surface where the second material is disposed at the outer surface, and at least a portion of the laser marks are disposed on the patch.