Optical Fiber Beam Profile Adjustment via Segmented Sheathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for setting beam profiles in laser processing machines are limited by the rigidity of protective sheathing, which restricts flexible beam shaping and fails to adequately protect light guides from external damage, especially when achieving desired bending radii for optimal beam profiles.
Innovation Solution
A device with a deformation mechanism that allows bending of the light guide within a housing section not covered by protective sheathing, enabling smaller bending radii and protection against external influences by fixing the protective sheathing outside the deformation area, allowing for adjustable beam profiles through bending, torsion, or pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective sheathing is made rigid to protect the light guide from external damage, then the protection against external influences is improved, but the flexibility for beam shaping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheathing is divided into two sections: a first section that remains rigid for protection, and a second section that is flexible for beam shaping. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the protective sheathing are given different mechanical properties - the first section has high rigidity for protection, while the second section has low rigidity for flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the protective sheathing is made flexible to enable beam shaping, then the adaptability for beam profiling is improved, but the protection against external influences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheathing is segmented into a rigid first section for protection and a flexible second section for beam shaping, allowing each segment to optimize its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheathing exhibits local quality differentiation where the first section provides rigid protection while the second section provides flexible beam shaping capability.
3Strength
If a rigid protective tube is used to protect the light guide, then the strength against external forces is improved, but the bending radius is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheathing is segmented into a rigid first section for strength and a flexible second section for small bending radius, allowing the light guide to achieve tight bends without compromising overall protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheathing has local quality differentiation with a rigid section for strength and a flexible section for small bending radius, resolving the contradiction between strength and bendability.
4Strength
If the protective sheathing is made rigid to withstand tensile and bending stresses, then the strength is improved, but the ability to achieve small bending radii deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheathing is divided into a rigid first section for withstanding stresses and a flexible second section for achieving small bending radii, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheathing exhibits local quality with a rigid section for stress resistance and a flexible section for small bending radius capability.
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 flexible beam shaping and effective protection of the light guide, achieving smaller bending radii and optimal beam profiles, such as top-hat profiles, while preventing harmful forces from affecting the high-power laser radiation transport.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation device for deforming the light guide in one section of the fiber-optic cable not surrounded by the protective sheathing
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (20) has a deflection unit (6) for deformation of an optical fiber portion (9) not-surrounded by a protective coating. A housing (14) is provided for accommodating optical fiber portion not surrounded by the protective coating. The opposite ends of the housing are provided with seats (4a,4b) for attachment to respective ends (7a,7b) of the protective coating layer. The seats are provided with openings (5a,5b) to supply the optical fiber (1) to the deflection unit. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) laser processing machine; and (2) manufacturing method of laser beam profile adjusting device.