Layered Laser Marking for Readable Codes on Decorative Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed and high-precision marking of small characters and machine-readable codes, such as UPC or QR codes, on decorative articles, especially when the outer layer interferes with light transmission, making it difficult for machines to read these 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, providing sufficient contrast and precision for machine-readable codes, allowing for fast and cost-effective marking of alphanumeric characters and symbols on articles without traditional labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 consumer-readable and machine-legible text, symbols, and codes on decorative articles, improving the legibility of laser-marked patterns, reducing the need for adhesive labels, and allowing for instantaneous changes in messaging, while maintaining the article's decorative appearance.
Implementation Method 1
A pulsed laser directs a laser beam to a patch on an outer surface of a sheet material
Implementation Method 2
The pulsed laser marks the patch by directing the laser beam to the patch
Implementation Method 3
a second layer containing TiO2 or IR laser marking additives, ensuring high contrast and legibility of machine-readable codes
Data Source
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 edge and an inner edge separated by a core. There is a first layer comprising a first material beginning at the outer edge 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.