Adjustable Rifle Fixture Assembly for Multi-Angle Laser Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking methods for metals, ceramics, glasses, and plastics lack versatility, speed, and produce high-resolution, permanent marks with minimal substrate damage, and there is a need for a fixture device to securely hold objects like weapons during marking without movement.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fixture assembly with a base, activator section, cradle, and weapon engaging elements that securely attach to the rifle, allowing a laser marking device to mark various surfaces at different angles while the rifle is fixedly attached, using polymeric and non-polymeric materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser marking methods are used on metals, ceramics, glasses, and plastics, then marking can be achieved, but the methods lack versatility and produce damage to the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marking material as an intermediary substance applied to the substrate surface before laser irradiation. This marking material absorbs laser energy and transfers it to the substrate in a controlled manner, enabling versatile marking across different substrate types (metals, ceramics, glasses, plastics) without directly damaging the substrate. The marking material acts as a mediator that protects the substrate while achieving the desired marking effect.
2Productivity
If conventional laser marking methods are used, then marking can be performed, but the process is not performed quickly enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies marking material to the substrate surface in advance before the laser marking process. This preliminary action prepares the substrate by creating a layer that is optimized for laser absorption and energy transfer. As a result, the actual laser marking process can be performed quickly without sacrificing marking quality, because the marking material is already in position to receive and transfer the laser energy efficiently.
3Reliability
If a fixture device is used to hold the weapon during laser marking, then the weapon can be secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture device is divided into multiple independent functional components: a base for support, a cradle for holding the weapon, a tower for positioning, and a brake device for securing. Each component performs a specific function and can be adjusted or modified independently. This segmentation allows the device to provide reliable and stable weapon attachment while maintaining reasonable complexity, as each segment is designed to be simple in its specific function rather than requiring a complex integrated system.
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 versatile, high-resolution laser marking on weapons with minimal substrate damage and ensures stable attachment during the process, providing flexibility and precision in marking.
Implementation Method 1
a laser is used to remove or ablate metal from the surface along the travel path of the laser
Implementation Method 2
The color of the plastic is typically changed by localized melting and re-solidification of the plastic
Implementation Method 3
annealing a selected portion of the metal surface to provide areas of contrasting color, wherein instead of removing metal from the surface, the laser is used to heat the surface of the metal to an annealing temperature
Implementation Method 4
using a glaze having a radiation-sensitive additive comprising an inorganic pigment or titanium dioxide is deposited and fired on the surface of a ceramic or glass substrate. A laser beam is then used to irradiate the fired surface layer to thereby change the color of the surface layer
Implementation Method 5
irradiating said layer with a laser or diode based energy source such that the radiation is directed onto said layer... and using a laser or diode based energy source of a wavelength which is sufficiently absorbed by the marking material so as to create a bonding of the marking material to the surface of the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable fixture assembly for marking objects, such as rifle(s), includes a base and an adjusting device. The base includes a platform having a first end, a second end, a pair of side walls, and a pair of tracks extending between the first end, and a second end. An activator section includes a neck section and a motor section including a motor having a circular base and a clamping surface for engaging the rear side of the rifle, wherein the clamping surface includes a first axis. The activator section includes a cradle member for holding the rifle(s). A laser marking device marks the rifle, as the rifle is fixedly attached to the cradle. As the cradle rotates about the axis, the laser marking device marks various surfaces of the rifle(s) at various angles thereby allowing variety and flexibility in laser marking.