Diffractive Laser Drilling for Precise Circular Hole Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser drilling devices are complex and difficult to manufacture and adjust, requiring multiple translatable and rotatable components to direct laser beams accurately for drilling holes, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A drilling device utilizing a diffractive beam propagation device with a substantially planar surface, which rotates to propagate light beams in a circular pattern, simplifying the process by using a diffraction grating to create a circular or conical hole without the need for multiple adjustments, and incorporating a focusing system to change the direction of the beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple translatable and rotatable components are used to direct laser beams, then drilling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical beam manipulation system (mirrors, wedges, rotatable components) with a diffractive optical element that uses diffraction physics to achieve beam shaping and positioning. The diffractive structure creates multiple beam paths and focuses them at the desired drilling location without requiring mechanical movement or adjustment of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it shapes the laser beam, positions it at the correct angle, and focuses it to the drilling point, all within a single static component. This eliminates the need for separate mirrors, beam steering mechanisms, and adjustment systems that would otherwise be required.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components are used for beam manipulation, then beam direction control is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple beam manipulation functions (beam shaping, steering, and focusing) into a single diffractive optical element. This unified component is manufactured as one integrated structure rather than assembling multiple separate optical components, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element uses optical diffraction principles to achieve precise beam control without mechanical moving parts or adjustable components. The beam direction and shape are determined by the fixed diffractive pattern, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms and simplifying both manufacturing and setup.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment components are used, then drilling area control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual adjustment of multiple mechanical components with a programmable diffractive optical element that can be controlled electronically. The drilling area and beam parameters are adjusted by changing optical parameters (such as wavelength or diffraction order) rather than physically moving or repositioning multiple mechanical parts, making operation simpler and more precise.
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 simplifies the drilling process, reduces the complexity of the device, and allows for precise control over the drilling area, enabling efficient and accurate hole creation with reduced mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The diffractive beam propagation device is configured to propagate the light beam as one or more propagated beams such that the one or more propagated beams, at least when being integrated over time, surround an area with a substantially circular shape
Implementation Method 2
the diffractive beam propagation device may be further configured to rotate around a rotation axis substantially normal to the planar surface of the beam propagation device. Due to the rotation of the diffractive beam propagation device, also the one or more propagated beams rotate
Implementation Method 3
Incidence of the laser beams on the work piece heats and/or melts and/or vaporizes and/or expels the material of the work piece
Implementation Method 4
Incidence of the laser beams on the work piece heats and/or melts and/or vaporizes and/or expels the material of the work piece
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drilling device comprising a light source configured to provide a light beam and a diffractive beam propagation device having a substantially planar surface, wherein the light source is configured such that the light beam is incident on the planar surface of the diffractive beam propagation device, and wherein the diffractive beam propagation device is configured to propagate the light beam as one or more propagated beams such that the one or more propagated beams, at least when being integrated over time, surround an area with a substantially circular shape. A use of the drilling device for drilling a hole in a work piece and a method suitable for drilling a hole in a work piece are also provided.