Beam Scanning Optics With Fixed Output Orientation and Shape Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for scanning light beams are unable to instantaneously change beam shape during operations like welding due to the need for manual intervention in replacing diffractive optical elements, and they require complex and costly arrangements with moving parts that are not suitable for high-power applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a deflector and focusing optics system that maintains a fixed output beam position and orientation, using a deflector with a pivot axis and focusing optics with identical focal lengths, separated by specific distances, to allow controlled scanning and shape modification of light beams without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a diffractive optical element is used to shape the beam, then the beam shape can be controlled, but manual intervention is required to change the beam shape which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the diffractive optical element rotatable around an optical axis, allowing it to dynamically switch between multiple pre-programmed beam shaping patterns. This enables instantaneous change of beam shape without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
2Speed
If steerable mirrors or moving lenses are used to scan the beam, then beam movement is achieved, but the number of optical parts increases which complicates alignment and thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam scanning function with a fixed optical assembly consisting of a cylindrical lens and two plane mirrors. This consolidated structure reduces the number of independently controllable optical parts compared to traditional steerable mirrors or moving lenses, simplifying alignment and thermal management while maintaining high-speed scanning capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical parts are used for beam scanning, then beam control is achieved, but alignment complexity and thermal management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (cylindrical lens, plane mirrors) into a fixed, pre-aligned assembly. This merging approach maintains precise beam positioning capability while reducing alignment complexity during installation and operation, as the components are rigidly mounted relative to each other rather than requiring independent alignment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual replacement of diffractive optical element is required, then beam shaping is achieved, but time is lost during intervention which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable diffractive optical element with multiple independently controllable zones, each programmed with different beam shaping patterns. This dynamic configuration allows instantaneous switching between various beam shapes by rotating the element, eliminating manual replacement time while preserving adaptability across multiple beam shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element is pre-programmed with multiple beam shaping patterns in different zones before operation. This preliminary action prepares all possible beam shapes in advance, allowing immediate selection during operation without manual intervention or reconfiguration time.
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
Enables rapid and precise scanning of light beams with fixed output orientation, allowing instant shape changes and efficient use in high-power applications by eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector (2) having a pivot axis and configured to produce a beam deflected at a chosen angle
Implementation Method 2
a first focusing optic (4a) having a first optical axis parallel to the first principal plane, the first focusing optic being optically disposed between the deflector and the part, receiving the deflected beam and producing the scanning beam
Implementation Method 3
a second focusing optic (4b) having a second optical axis parallel to the second principal plane, the second focusing optic being optically disposed between the part and the deflector
Implementation Method 4
at least one reflecting optic arranged in the device to guide the scanning beam from the first focusing optic to the second focusing optic
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~4a
Figure 4b~5a
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device (1) for scanning a light beam over a surface of a part (3) placed in the device, the light beam converted by the part being guided to a set position and so as to have a set orientation with respect to the optical device. The device comprises a deflector (2) that is configured to produce a beam (Fd) deviated by a chosen angle (a) and that also receives the converted beam, a first focusing optic (4a; 4) placed optically between the deflector (2) and the part; a second focusing optic (4b; 4) placed optically between the part (3) and the deflector (2), and at least one reflecting optic (M) for guiding the scanning beam (Fb) from the first focusing optic (4a; 4) to the second focusing optic (4b; 4).