Vehicle Body Panel Microperforation Using Rectilinear Laser Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing microperforations on transparent or translucent vehicle parts using circular laser trajectories are time-consuming and complex, leading to long cycle times and difficult programming due to the need for intricate laser path planning.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of rectilinear laser beam trajectories to produce microperforations in opaque coatings on transparent or translucent plastic vehicle parts, simplifying the laser path and reducing cycle time by using rectilinear irradiation paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If circular laser trajectories are used to produce microperforations, then the desired visual effect is achieved, but the cycle time per microperforation becomes quite long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effect qualityVSAvoidcycle time per microperforation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circular microperforation is segmented into multiple rectilinear trajectory lines that collectively form the circular pattern. This allows the laser to use simple rectilinear movements instead of complex circular scanning, significantly reducing the cycle time while maintaining the visual effect quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the approach by using rectilinear (straight) trajectories instead of curved circular paths. The rectilinear lines are arranged to collectively create the circular microperforation effect, simplifying the laser motion control and reducing programming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Shape

If circular microperforations are produced using concentric circles or circular scanning, then the desired shape is achieved, but the programming complexity and cycle time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircular microperforation shapeVSAvoidlaser path programming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circular shape is segmented into multiple rectilinear trajectory lines. Each line is simple and easy to program, and when combined, they form the complete circular microperforation pattern, reducing overall programming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using circular scanning trajectories to create circular microperforations, the patent inverts the approach by using rectilinear trajectories to achieve the same circular effect. This simplifies the motion control system and programming requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If a large number of microperforations are made on a panel surface, then the desired light transmission effect is achieved, but the total manufacturing time becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmission effectVSAvoidtotal manufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser beam continuously moves along rectilinear trajectories to produce multiple microperforations in sequence without interruption. This continuous rectilinear scanning allows efficient processing of large numbers of microperforations across the panel surface, reducing total manufacturing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The panel surface is divided into multiple scanning lines with rectilinear trajectories. Each line contains multiple microperforations that are produced sequentially, allowing systematic and efficient coverage of the entire surface area requiring microperforations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Reduces manufacturing time and simplifies programming by using rectilinear laser trajectories, enabling efficient production of microperforations with desired transparency effects.

Implementation Method 1

producing a set of microperforations of the opaque coating by removing the opaque coating using a laser beam locally irradiating the coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4585352A1Method for producing a transparent or translucent vehicle part
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 OPMOBILITY SE
  • EP4585352A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4585352A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4585352A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bodywork part (2) of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - depositing at least one opaque coating on at least a portion of a face (6) of a main body (3) of the bodywork part (2), the main body (3) being made of transparent or translucent plastic material, and - producing a set of microperforations (8, 10) of the opaque coating by removing the opaque coating using a laser beam locally irradiating the opaque coating, an irradiation path (12, 16, 22) of the laser beam consisting solely of successive substantially rectilinear path lines (12', 16', 22').