Vertical Web Laser Treatment Module for Food Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous web laser treatment modules are not suitable for food packaging due to the risk of contamination from electrostatic attraction of floor contaminants and smoke affecting optical elements, and they struggle to maintain constant web material tension, leading to buckling and laser defocus issues.
Innovation Solution
A continuous web laser treatment module with a vertical web path and elevated entrance and exit points, featuring rotating rollers and positionally adjustable laser generators with galvanometric mirrors, which maintains a constant web tension and isolates the material from floor contaminants, while an air suction system and stroboscopic lighting aid in smoke management and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the web material path is positioned horizontally close to the floor, then the laser treatment module is accessible from lateral sides and the structure is compact, but the web material is contaminated by electrostatic attraction of floor contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the web material path from horizontal to vertical orientation, transitioning the treatment section to a different spatial dimension. This vertical configuration elevates the web material away from the floor, eliminating electrostatic contamination while maintaining accessibility through front-side access to laser generators and control systems.
2Device complexity
If the web material path is positioned horizontally, then the structure is compact, but smoke from laser treatment contaminates the optic elements of the laser generator
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the web material path vertically, the patent creates a smoke extraction pathway where smoke naturally rises away from the laser generators. The vertical configuration allows smoke to be channeled upward and removed through extraction systems positioned at the top, preventing smoke accumulation and contamination of optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dedicated smoke extraction system that removes harmful smoke from the treatment zone. Extraction channels and suction systems are integrated to actively remove smoke generated during laser treatment, preventing it from contaminating optic elements and maintaining clear visibility for monitoring.
3Device complexity
If the web material path is horizontal, then the structure is simpler, but constant web material tension is difficult to maintain, causing buckling and laser defocus
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical orientation of the web material path fundamentally changes the tension dynamics. Gravity acts parallel to the web travel direction rather than perpendicular to it, eliminating buckling issues. This dimensional change allows for more stable tension control and consistent laser focus throughout the treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the web path configuration from horizontal to vertical, which changes the gravitational force vector relative to the web material. This parameter change in orientation eliminates the buckling phenomenon and enables more precise tension maintenance, directly improving manufacturing precision.
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 configuration prevents contamination, maintains efficient laser treatment by avoiding smoke interference and ensuring constant tension, allowing for safe and effective processing of materials destined for food packaging with improved hygiene and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each laser generator being provided with an automatic galvanometric mirror or lent which deflect said laser beam providing an orientable laser beam incident to said first flat path section of the web material
Implementation Method 2
laser generators which create laser beams over said web material to burn it, cut it, print it, or to produce any other laser treatment on said web material continuously transported
Implementation Method 3
an air suction system and stroboscopic lighting aid in smoke management and inspection
Implementation Method 4
an air suction system and stroboscopic lighting aid in smoke management and inspection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A laser treatment module is proposed including a web material entrance; a web material exit; a plurality of rotating rollers (14) defining a web path between the web material entrance and exit, said web path including at least a first flat path section (21) for the web material laser treatment; by means of a first group of laser generators (31) positionally adjustable arranged and supported on a first support bridge (33); each laser generator creating a laser beam, incident on said first flat path section (21) of the web material (4); said web material entrance (11) and/or said web material exit (12) being placed over a maintenance passage (40) accessible for a user; and said first flat path section (21) being oriented in vertical direction, facing said maintenance passage (40), being said laser generators (30) accessible from said maintenance passage (40).