Beam Machining Head With Optical Nozzle Center Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam machining systems face challenges in continuously monitoring and maintaining the precise alignment of the machining energy beam with respect to the exit opening, leading to potential de-adjustments during cutting processes, which affect cutting quality.
Innovation Solution
A beam machining head equipped with an optical detector unit and a monitoring unit that records images of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the workpiece, allowing for the determination of the center of the emitted radiation and the exit opening's position, enabling continuous or real-time monitoring and adjustment of their relative positions, independent of cutting direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline docking stations are used to check nozzle centring, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and productivity are reduced due to additional equipment and interrupted workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function into the existing cutting head by integrating an optical detector unit that observes through the exit opening. This merges the measurement capability with the cutting device itself, eliminating the need for separate docking stations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting head is given multiple functions: it performs both cutting operations and nozzle centring measurement. The optical detector unit enables the cutting head to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement equipment and improving productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous monitoring is implemented during beam cutting, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is merged into the cutting head structure. The optical detector unit is integrated within the cutting head, allowing continuous monitoring of beam position and nozzle centring without requiring separate external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring through the optical detector unit that observes the beam position and nozzle alignment during cutting. The monitoring unit processes this information to provide feedback for maintaining cutting quality, enabling the system to self-regulate without external intervention.
3Device complexity
If the energy inducer position is not continuously monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to undetected de-adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector unit continuously monitors the beam position and nozzle centring during cutting operations. The monitoring unit processes this feedback information and can trigger alerts or adjustments when de-adjustments are detected, ensuring cutting quality is maintained throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors its own performance through the integrated optical detector and monitoring unit. This self-service capability detects and reports de-adjustments in real-time, allowing the system to maintain manufacturing precision without external monitoring equipment.
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 solution enables more accurate centring and precise cutting by allowing for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the beam's alignment, improving cutting quality and reducing the need for additional docking stations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector unit for recording at least one image of an electromagnetic radiation emitted from said workpiece through said exit opening into said beam machining head, which is induced in said workpiece by said machining energy beam
Data Source
AI summary
A beam machining head (10; 100; 200) for beam cutting of a workpiece is provided, having an interface (12) for an energy beam source (14; 14, 201) for generating a focused machining energy beam (15; 206) selected from a particle beam source, a fuel fluid beam source, a plasma beam source and/or a source for electromagnetic radiation; an exit opening (16) for the machining energy beam bounded by an opening edge (18); an optical detector unit (19) for recording at least one image of an electromagnetic radiation (17) emitted from the workpiece (11) through the exit opening into the beam machining head (10; 100; 200) and induced in the workpiece by the machining energy beam; and a monitoring unit (30) connected in a data-transmitting manner to the optical detector unit for monitoring a positional relationship between a centre of the emitted electromagnetic radiation and the exit opening, wherein the monitoring unit (30) has: a first determination module for determining at least one position (180; 182) of the exit opening in the at least one image; a second determination module for determining at least one position (170) of the centre of the emitted electromagnetic radiation in the at least one image; and a third determination module for determining the positional relationship between the at least one position (170) of the centre of the emitted electromagnetic radiation and the at least one position (180; 182) of the exit opening (16). A beam machining device and a method for beam cutting are further disclosed.