Thermal Transfer Device with Laser Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing thermal transfer devices face challenges in achieving optimal adhesive strength between the thermal transfer foil and the transfer object due to variations in process temperature, which can result in either insufficient adhesion or adhesive layer evaporation, especially when the thermal capacity of the transfer object is unknown.

Innovation Solution

A thermal transfer device equipped with a light absorbing film that absorbs laser light and converts it into heat, allowing for temperature measurement during the transfer process, enabling adjustment of light energy emission to maintain the process temperature within an optimal range for reliable foil transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If light energy is increased to raise process temperature, then adhesive layer melting is improved, but adhesive layer evaporation occurs resulting in insufficient adhesive strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess temperatureVSAvoidadhesive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback control system where a temperature detector measures the actual process temperature of the light absorbing film during foil transfer, and this measurement is fed back to a light energy adjuster that automatically adjusts the light energy emission from the foil transfer tool. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the process temperature remains within the optimal range, preventing both insufficient melting and excessive evaporation of the adhesive layer, thereby maintaining reliable adhesive strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If light energy is decreased to prevent adhesive layer evaporation, then adhesive layer integrity is maintained, but insufficient melting occurs resulting in insufficient adhesive strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidprocess temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors the process temperature and adjusts light energy in real-time. When the temperature is too low for proper melting, the system automatically increases light energy emission, ensuring sufficient adhesive layer melting and reliable adhesion without manual intervention or trial-and-error adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If process temperature is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but foil transfer reliability varies due to unknown material properties and thermal capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoil transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system with temperature detection and automatic light energy adjustment, which provides reliable foil transfer across different materials and thermal capacities. The system includes a temperature detector that measures process temperature and a light energy adjuster that modifies light emission based on temperature feedback, ensuring consistent adhesive layer melting regardless of transfer object properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of light energy emission based on real-time temperature measurements. The light energy adjuster automatically modifies the light output of the foil transfer tool according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector, enabling the system to self-regulate and maintain optimal process conditions without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution ensures more reliable foil transfer by maintaining the process temperature within the optimal range, regardless of the transfer object's material, thereby improving adhesive strength and preventing issues like evaporation or insufficient adhesion.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorbing film with a light absorbing property placed on the thermal transfer foil and emits light onto the light absorbing film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and heat conversion: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

This melts the adhesive layer of the pressed portion of the thermal transfer foil, and the adhesive layer sticks to the surface of the transfer object and cures through heat radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal melting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the adhesive layer sticks to the surface of the transfer object and cures through heat radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation curing: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10569567B2Thermal transfer device that uses light energy to reliably apply foil to transfer object

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 DGSHAPE CORP

AI summary

A thermal transfer device includes a fixture that holds a transfer object, a foil transfer tool that presses a thermal transfer foil placed on the transfer object and a light absorbing film placed on the thermal transfer foil and emits light onto the light absorbing film, a carriage moving mechanism that moves the foil transfer tool relative to the fixture, and a temperature detector that measures a temperature of a portion of the light absorbing film pressed and irradiated with light by the foil transfer tool.