Cartesian Optics Positioning for Precise Laser Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning devices for optics in laser machining heads fail to provide precise, linear movement along mutually perpendicular axes, leading to difficulties in adjustment and reproducibility, and are often compactly designed with limited accessibility for operating personnel.
Innovation Solution
A Cartesian positioning device with adjustable actuating elements, such as threaded spindles, allows independent positioning along the x and y axes, utilizing micrometer screws for calibration and a combination of linear guide units and lever elements to ensure precise and reproducible movement, while maintaining a compact design and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional positioning devices are used to position optics in laser machining heads, then the optics can be adjusted in two directions, but the movement is not exactly linear and the axes are not mutually perpendicular, leading to poor positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into two independent actuating elements (x-axis and y-axis), each responsible for one Cartesian direction. This segmentation ensures that each actuator moves the optics socket independently along its designated axis, guaranteeing linear movement and mutual perpendicularity of the axes, thereby achieving precise positioning without the mechanical interference present in conventional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A linear guide unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the actuating elements and the optics socket. This linear guide unit constrains the movement of the optics socket to strictly follow the Cartesian axes, ensuring that the x and y movements are mutually perpendicular and linear, thus resolving the positioning precision issue while maintaining ease of operation through calibrated micrometer screws.
2Volume of moving object
If the positioning device is compactly designed to save space in the laser machining head, then space is conserved, but the accessibility for operating personnel is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The two actuating elements are arranged in juxtaposition along the y-direction rather than being positioned orthogonally in separate spatial planes. This dimensional reconfiguration allows both actuators to be accessed from the same side of the device, improving operator accessibility while maintaining a compact overall footprint. The actuating elements are adjusted in parallel along the y-direction, enabling space-efficient design without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Reliability
If conventional positioning devices are used, then the optics can be positioned, but an exact value of movement along a particular axis cannot be assigned to a setting of an actuating element, leading to poor reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are equipped with calibrated micrometer screws that provide precise measurement of the adjustment parameter. By changing the parameter measurement capability from conventional imprecise mechanisms to calibrated micrometer screws, the device can assign exact movement values to each actuating element setting, ensuring high reproducibility and reliability of optics positioning.
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
The solution enables accurate and reproducible positioning of optics in laser machining heads, enhancing precision and ease of use by allowing independent movement along both Cartesian axes without backlash, and improving accessibility for operators.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating elements may be formed, for example, as threaded spindles
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, a Cartesian positioning device for positioning an optics includes an optics socket for holding the optics; a y actuating element for linear movement of the optics socket in the y direction, the y actuating element having a y slider at one end; an x actuating element for linear movement of the optics socket in the x direction, the x actuating element having an x slider at one end; wherein the x actuating element and the y actuating element are arranged on a support element and adjustable along the y direction. Furthermore, a laser machining head for machining a workpiece by means of a laser beam includes such a Cartesian positioning device for positioning an optics, the optics being arranged in a beam path of the laser machining head.