Energy Beam Deflection Speed Verification by Pattern Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple and efficient method to verify the deflection speed of energy beams, such as laser or electron beams, used in freeform fabrication or additive manufacturing, without requiring knowledge of the work table's lateral position or angle, and to ensure speed and position stability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving creating predetermined patterns on a work table with an energy beam at different deflection speeds, detecting the positions of the beam spots, and comparing them to verify if they deviate by less than a predetermined distance, which can be done using various types of cameras and patterns, including continuous or discontinuous patterns, and sending warning signals for deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods are used to verify deflection speed, then position accuracy can be maintained, but the system requires knowledge of work table lateral position and angle, increasing system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection speed verification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the energy beam itself to create the verification pattern and detects it using the same beam detection capabilities, making the verification process self-contained without requiring external positioning systems or additional sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The method creates a pattern copy at two different deflection speeds and compares the positions of corresponding features in the two patterns to determine deflection speed accuracy, eliminating the need for absolute position knowledge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If comprehensive verification methods are implemented, then deflection speed accuracy is improved, but the verification process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection speed verification reliabilityVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The verification process uses periodic deflection of the energy beam to create repeating patterns, allowing multiple verification points to be obtained efficiently through cyclic scanning motions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The verification is performed using the same continuous energy beam process used for manufacturing, without interrupting the workflow or requiring separate verification equipment, thus minimizing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If precise deflection speed control is maintained, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the system requires complex control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional part building accuracyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by comparing the actual beam positions at different deflection speeds and calculating deviation values, which can be used to adjust and optimize the deflection speed control parameters for improved manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3183089B1Energy beam deflection speed verification
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ARCAM AB
  • EP3183089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3183089B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3183089B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for verifying a deflection speed of an energy beam spot, the method comprising the steps of: providing a predetermined pattern on a work table with the energy beam spot while deflecting the energy beam spot with a first deflection speed, detecting first positions of the energy beam spot on the work table created with the first deflection speed, providing the predetermined pattern on a work table with the energy beam spot while deflecting the energy beam spot with a second deflection speed, detecting second positions of the energy beam spot on the work table created with the second deflection speed, comparing the first and second positions, wherein the deflection speed is verified if each one of the first positions are deviating less than a predetermined distance from corresponding second positions.