Laser Head Cover Optic Contamination Sensing With Side Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring contamination on the cover slide of a laser processing head are inaccurate due to dependence on surface characteristics and require additional space, which can interfere with the lasing optics and complicate the arrangement.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a reflector and sensor system that reflects radiation from contamination on the cover slide and detects it in an offset position, allowing for accurate contamination monitoring without increasing the overall space required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pyrometer sensor is mounted above the cover slide to monitor contamination directly from above, then the measurement accuracy of cover slide contamination is improved, but the height and overall space required for the arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical monitoring arrangement (pyrometer mounted above the cover slide) to a lateral arrangement where the sensor is positioned at the side of the cover slide. This dimensional change allows contamination monitoring without increasing the vertical height of the laser processing head, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and space requirements.
2Device complexity
If a stray light sensor is used to monitor contamination on the cover slide, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement accuracy becomes dependent on surface characteristics and may be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element between the cover slide and the sensor. The reflector redirects radiation that has interacted with contamination on the cover slide toward the sensor, enabling accurate contamination detection without requiring the sensor to be positioned directly above the cover slide. This intermediary approach maintains measurement accuracy while simplifying the overall device arrangement.
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 provides accurate contamination monitoring, reducing the need for frequent cover slide replacements and minimizing space consumption within the laser processing head, thus maintaining optical quality and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one reflector is configured to reflect radiation generated by interaction of the laser beam with contamination on the replaceable cover optic and incident against the at least one reflector
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor is configured to detect at least a portion of the radiation reflected by the at least one reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing apparatus monitors a cover optic on a laser processing head for contamination, indicating the need to replace the cover optic. The apparatus includes at least one reflector and at least one sensors that are disposed in the processing head adjacent a periphery of the cover optic. The reflector reflects radiation from the laser beam deflected from contamination on the cover optic and incident thereagainst. The sensor is offset from the reflector and detects at least a portion of the radiation reflected by the reflector. A controller in communication with the sensor can determine the contamination on the cover optic based on the detected radiation.