Optical Fiber Array Laser Recording Method for White Line Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording methods using thermal heads suffer from print defects due to surface deterioration from dirt or foreign matter, while non-contact laser methods face prolonged recording times as information quantity increases, and existing laser-based methods struggle with white line defects and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A recording method utilizing an optical fiber array with a plurality of laser light-emitting elements, where the maximum length of writing units in the sub-scanning direction is controlled by adjusting the duty ratio, cycle of a pulse signal, and spot diameter of laser light to ensure overlapping edges of adjacent writing units, preventing white line defects and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a thermal head is pressed against a thermosensitive recording medium to achieve sufficient heat conductivity, then recording quality is improved, but the thermal head surface deteriorates due to dirt or foreign matter deposition requiring maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system (thermal head pressed against recording medium) with a non-contact laser beam system. The laser beam delivers thermal energy to the thermosensitive recording medium without physical contact, eliminating surface deterioration while maintaining recording quality through optical energy transfer instead of mechanical thermal conduction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single laser beam is scanned by a galvanometer mirror to perform recording, then non-contact recording is achieved, but recording time is prolonged as information quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single laser beam into multiple parallel laser beams arranged in an array. Each beam in the array can independently expose different regions of the recording medium simultaneously, dividing the recording task across multiple beams to reduce total recording time while maintaining non-contact operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple laser beams into a unified array structure that operates together to record information across the recording medium. By combining the capabilities of multiple beams working in parallel, the system achieves faster recording speeds compared to a single scanned beam while maintaining the benefits of non-contact laser recording
3Productivity
If multiple lasers are aligned in an optical fiber array to reduce recording time, then productivity is improved, but white line defects and heat generation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulse modulation to the multiple laser beams in the array, controlling them to operate in synchronized pulses with appropriate timing and intensity. This periodic action allows each beam to deliver energy in controlled bursts, preventing continuous overheating and eliminating white line defects while maintaining the high productivity benefits of multiple parallel beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts key parameters of the laser beams including pulse width, duty cycle, and intensity distribution across the array to optimize performance. By changing these parameters, the system achieves uniform energy distribution that prevents white line defects and excessive heat generation while maintaining fast recording speeds through the multi-beam array configuration
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
This method enables high-resolution image recording without white line defects and effectively suppresses heat generation, improving image readability and visibility while maintaining efficient recording times.
Implementation Method 1
an emitting unit including the optical fiber array, in which a plurality of optical fibers configured to guide laser light emitted from the laser light-emitting elements are aligned
Implementation Method 2
emitting laser light from an optical fiber array to record an image formed of writing units
Implementation Method 3
a recording method for performing recording on thermosensitive recording media with a change in hue or reflectance caused by heating
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
A recording method including: emitting laser light from an optical fiber array to record an image formed of writing units with moving a recording target and the optical fiber array relatively using a recording device 1 including a plurality of laser light-emitting elements and an emitting unit 13 including the optical fiber array, in which a plurality of optical fibers 12 configured to guide laser light emitted from the laser light-emitting elements are aligned, wherein a maximum length of the writing unit along a sub-scanning direction is controlled with set values of: a duty ratio and a cycle of a pulse signal input to the emitting unit 13; recording energy applied to the recording target; and a spot diameter of the laser light, to record with overlapping an edge of the writing unit with an edge of the adjacent writing unit in the sub-scanning direction.