Automatic Collimation Optics Changer for Laser Module Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machine tools face challenges in quickly and easily exchanging optical components due to wear and contamination, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance time, especially in hybrid machines performing both laser machining and metal cutting.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a collimation optics changer that allows automatic adjustment of the laser beam diameter and intensity, featuring a mechanism for exchanging collimation optics and a focusing module, along with a powder nozzle, to maintain optimal performance and reduce maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical components are exchanged manually, then the exchange process is simple in structure, but the maintenance time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is divided into separable components including the collimation optics changer, focusing module, and powder nozzle, allowing individual replacement and maintenance of specific parts without dismantling the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The collimation optics changer is equipped with an automatic changing mechanism that can exchange collimation optics without manual intervention, reducing maintenance time and improving efficiency
2Reliability
If collimation optics are not changed automatically, then the device structure remains simple, but the laser beam intensity and accuracy deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation optics changer enables dynamic adjustment of collimation optics during the machining process, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements and maintain optimal laser beam characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
By automatically changing collimation optics with different focal lengths, the system can adjust the beam diameter and intensity parameters to maintain optimal performance throughout the machining process
3Duration of action of stationary object
If optical components are used continuously without change, then the device complexity is low, but the contamination and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collimation optics are pre-loaded in the collimation optics changer, allowing for automatic replacement before significant contamination or wear occurs, extending the effective service life of each optical component
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables periodic replacement of collimation optics that have become contaminated or worn, with used optics being removed and replaced by fresh ones from the changer reservoir
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 quick and efficient exchange of optical components, maintaining high laser intensity and accuracy, thereby reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of optical components by allowing automatic adjustment during machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
The beam diameter of the collimated laser beam can be determined in particular by the focal length of a collimation optics
Implementation Method 2
The beam diameter of the focused laser beam, or the waist of a Gaussian laser beam, can be adjusted by suitable selection of the collimation optics without changing the focal length of the focusing optics
Implementation Method 3
the material powder is heated by a focused laser beam in a predetermined area corresponding to a selected cross-sectional area of the model of the molded body so that the material powder is remelted in the irradiated areas to form connected solidified regions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module for a machine for machining workpieces and/or for producing molded bodies by way of location-selective solidification of material powder into contiguous regions by a laser beam includes a housing for releasably fastening the optical module to the machine and a collimation optics changer releasably arranged in the housing, having at least two collimation optics which can be moved into a beam path of the laser beam for collimating the laser beam. The collimation optics changer has a mechanism for automatically changing the collimation optics.