Thermal Reading of Coated Metal Markings for Component Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods fail to read markings on metallic components after coating, as they become hidden under coatings and cannot be detected using conventional visual or topographical methods, necessitating a non-destructive and contactless solution for tracking throughout the machining process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a marking with specific thermal conductivity properties, covered by an opaque layer, which is then irradiated with electromagnetic radiation to create a thermal contrast visible through thermal imaging, allowing for contactless and non-destructive reading of the marking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a marking is applied to a metallic component and then covered with an opaque coating layer, then the component gains corrosion protection and aesthetic appearance, but the marking becomes invisible and cannot be read using conventional visual or topographical methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidmarking readability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The marking material is selected to have different thermal conductivity than the substrate, creating thermal contrast that can be detected through thermal imaging. This allows the marking to be 'seen' thermally rather than visually, resolving the contradiction between opaque coating and marking readability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional visual/optical reading methods with thermal imaging technology. By substituting the detection mechanism from optical to thermal domain, the marking remains readable even under opaque coatings that block visual detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional visual or topographical methods are used to read markings, then the reading process is simple and direct, but these methods fail when markings are covered by opaque coatings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading simplicityVSAvoidmarking detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thermal imaging as an intermediary detection method. Instead of directly reading the marking visually, the system uses thermal radiation as a mediator to convey information about the marking's presence and pattern, enabling detection through opaque materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (visual appearance, topography) to thermal properties (thermal conductivity, temperature distribution). This parameter transformation allows marking detection to work through opaque coatings that block optical methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If a marking is made visible through the coating, then the marking can be read, but the coating must be transparent which compromises corrosion protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking visibilityVSAvoidcorrosion protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the detection from the optical dimension to the thermal dimension. The marking remains hidden in the visual dimension (maintaining opaque coating for corrosion protection) but becomes visible in the thermal dimension through thermal imaging, effectively adding another detection dimension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 seamless traceability and digitalization of production processes by allowing the reading of hidden markings after coating, ensuring component identification across the entire process chain without damaging the components.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the at least one covering layer with electromagnetic radiation to which the at least one covering layer is impermeable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

reading the marking by means of thermal imaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal imaging: Thermography

Implementation Method 3

a marking material is present with which a thermal conductivity of the marking is set, for example, a material that is less thermally conductive than the substrate; this can enable a thermal contrast to the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity difference: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240428031A1Method for reading a marking, and workpiece

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

In an embodiment a method for reading a marking includes providing the marking on a substrate, the marking being formed with at least one marking material, providing at least one opaque covering layer covering the marking, briefly irradiating the at least one covering layer with electromagnetic radiation to which the at least one covering layer is impermeable; and contactless reading the marking by thermal imaging.