UV Laser Glass Marking for Clear Continuous Ring Patterns

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sandblasting methods for creating identification marks on glass plates are inaccurate and blurry, especially for complex designs with small or thin features, due to limitations in abrasive sand size and the need for multiple stencil plates, which complicates positioning and results in a loss of mark visibility.

Innovation Solution

A method using a UV laser beam to form identification marks on glass plates by scanning the surface with a UV laser beam, allowing for precise and clear creation of intricate designs without the need for stencil plates, with the ability to form continuous annular or closed linear designs and enhance aesthetic appeal by reducing heat generation and preventing cracks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If sandblasting method with stencil plate is used, then identification mark can be formed on glass plate, but positioning accuracy deteriorates when multiple stencil plates are required for continuous ring designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of identification markVSAvoidnumber of stencil plates required

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the stencil plate component entirely from the marking system, replacing it with a laser-based direct writing approach. This extraction eliminates the positioning errors and complexity associated with multiple stencil plates while maintaining the ability to form continuous ring designs and other identification marks on the glass plate surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sandblasting system with stencil plates with a laser-based optical system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical stencil placement and alignment, thereby resolving the positioning accuracy issues that arise when multiple stencil plates are required for complex designs such as continuous ring patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional sandblasting with limited abrasive sand size is used, then marking process can be completed, but mark clarity deteriorates for miniscule or thin design features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity of identification markVSAvoidability to form miniscule or thin features

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the marking mechanism from abrasive particle size to laser beam parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration). This allows for precise control of the marking process at miniscule or thin feature scales without being constrained by the minimum abrasive sand size, thereby achieving high mark clarity for complex designs while maintaining versatility across different feature dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate stencil plates are used for continuous ring design, then complete design can be formed, but positioning accuracy and mark visibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to form continuous ring designVSAvoidpositioning accuracy and visibility of identification mark

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the stencil plate component entirely from the marking system, replacing it with a laser-based direct writing approach. This extraction eliminates the positioning errors and complexity associated with multiple stencil plates while maintaining the ability to form continuous ring designs and other identification marks on the glass plate surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sandblasting system with stencil plates with a laser-based optical system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical stencil placement and alignment, thereby resolving the positioning accuracy issues that arise when multiple stencil plates are required for complex designs such as continuous ring patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The UV laser method enables the formation of accurate, clear, and aesthetically pleasing identification marks with enhanced visibility and homogeneity, preventing the loss of mark clarity and maintaining the shape without added layers peeling off, suitable for various glass types and applications.

Implementation Method 1

forming an identification mark on a main surface of a glass plate by emitting a UV laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV laser beam irradiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20230090694A1Identification mark-bearing glass plate and method of manufacturing identification mark-bearing glass plate

Publication Date: 2023.03.23 AGC INC

AI summary

A method of manufacturing an identification mark-bearing glass plate includes forming an identification mark on a main surface of a glass plate by emitting a UV laser beam.