Adjustable Light Guide for Pulsed Radiation Profile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsed broadband radiation systems lack the necessary control and precision in delivering radiation profiles for industrial processes like composite manufacturing, thermal processing, cleaning, and sintering, as they do not allow for flexible adjustment of radiation intensity and direction at the target area.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pulsed broadband radiation source, such as a flashlamp, and a light guide with movable portions that can reflect and focus radiation to achieve a predetermined radiation profile at the target area, utilizing a light guide with reflective coatings and adjustable geometry to direct and concentrate radiation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed light guide is used to guide radiation from the pulsed broadband radiation source, then the system structure is simple, but the radiation intensity and direction cannot be adjusted flexibly at the target area
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed with movable portions that can be adjusted relative to the pulsed broadband radiation source. The actuator enables dynamic repositioning of the light guide to change radiation direction and intensity at the target area, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is divided into multiple portions, with at least one portion being movable relative to the radiation source. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of different sections of the light guide, providing flexible control over radiation distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the light guide is made movable with actuators, then precise control over radiation profile is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator enables precise positioning of the movable light guide portion, allowing accurate control over radiation profile at the target area. The dynamic adjustment capability provides fine-tuned control of radiation intensity and direction while maintaining manageable system complexity through targeted actuation rather than full system complexity.
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 enables precise control over the radiation profile at the target area, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial processes by allowing for customizable radiation intensity and direction, thereby improving the quality and consistency of composite manufacturing, thermal processing, cleaning, and sintering.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide comprises at least a portion ahead of the pulsed broadband radiation source, relative to the target area, comprising a light transmitting material
Implementation Method 2
a light guide with reflective coatings and adjustable geometry to direct and concentrate radiation effectively
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2d
Figure 2e~2g
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for manufacturing a composite article from a composite material. The apparatus comprising: a pulsed broadband radiation source (10) comprising a flashlamp and a light guide (12) adapted to guide light emitted by the pulsed broadband radiation source (10) to a target area. The light guide (12) comprises at least a portion (16) ahead of the pulsed broadband radiation source (10), relative to the target area, comprising a light transmitting material.