Laser Processing Head With Fiber-End Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser machining processes require additional opto-mechanical elements for beam deflection, leading to increased space and cost, and are limited in dynamic capabilities, with no universal solution applicable across different implementations.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing head with a sealed module containing a delivery fiber and actuators that deflect the fiber end on a side axis, integrated with a collimator and focusing component to achieve beam deflection, allowing for universal application and high dynamic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional scanning optics (galvanometer scanner, tip-tilt mirrors, rotating prisms) are used for beam deflection, then beam deflection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to extra opto-mechanical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam deflection function from traditional complex scanning optics and implements it through a simpler mechanism: a movable mirror mounted on a piezoelectric actuator. This extracts only the essential deflection capability while eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity of galvanometer scanners and rotating prisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems (galvanometer motors, rotating prisms) with a piezoelectric actuator that uses electrostatic fields to position the mirror. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while achieving precise beam deflection through electrical control.
2Ease of operation
If traditional scanning optics are used for beam deflection, then beam steering is achieved, but assembly space increases due to larger component size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core deflection function from bulky scanning optics and implements it in a compact form using a small piezoelectric actuator and lightweight mirror assembly, dramatically reducing the space required for beam steering components.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical scanning systems with piezoelectric actuation, the patent achieves beam steering in a much more compact package, as piezoelectric actuators occupy minimal space compared to motor-driven galvanometer scanners or rotating prism assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom adjustment solutions are designed for each laser machining implementation, then specific application requirements are met, but manufacturing cost and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal beam deflection module based on piezoelectric actuation that can be applied across multiple laser machining applications (cutting, welding, additive manufacturing). This single design serves multiple functions and applications, eliminating the need for custom development in each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptability through software control of the piezoelectric actuator, allowing the same physical hardware to be optimized for different applications by changing control parameters such as deflection range, scanning speed, and waveform patterns, rather than requiring physical redesign.
4Ease of operation
If traditional beam deflection methods are used, then beam steering is achieved, but dynamic capability is limited by mechanical inertia and response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inertia-limited mechanical scanning systems with piezoelectric actuation, which has no moving mass and responds instantaneously to voltage changes. This enables dynamic beam deflection at frequencies limited only by the piezoelectric material and control electronics, not mechanical inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the beam deflection system from a mechanically inert system to a dynamically responsive system by using piezoelectric actuators that can change mirror position almost instantaneously, enabling high-speed scanning and adaptive beam steering for dynamic laser processing applications.
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 provides stable, high-quality beam deflection with reduced space and cost, enabling broader seam cross-sections, higher efficiency, and decoupling from camera or process monitoring, suitable for various laser processes including additive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
A delivery fiber is disposed in the input of the module and is configured to emit the laser beam from a fiber end toward the output of the module
Implementation Method 2
A collimator disposed in the head on the optical axis collimates the laser beam emitted from the fiber end beyond the output of the module
Implementation Method 3
a focusing component disposed in the head on the optical axis focuses the laser beam from the collimator to a focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing head for a laser beam uses actuators engaged with a delivery fiber end to deflect the fiber end relative to an optical axis. The laser beam from the fiber end is collimated by a collimator and is then focused by a focusing component disposed in the head beyond the collimator to a focal point. The focal point of the laser beam is deflected from the optical axis in relation to the deflection of the fiber end. The fiber end and the actuators are housed in a sealed module. Deflection of the laser beam can be sensed by reflecting portion of the laser beam to a sensing element so a control system can monitor and control the fiber end's movement. A mode-stripper in the sealed module removes light from cladding of the delivery fiber, and an actively cooled absorber in the module around the fiber absorbs the energy.