Detachable Fiber Laser Module for Optical Element Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fiber laser devices, replacing the first optical element when it reaches the end of its product life can be difficult due to its housing configuration.

Innovation Solution

A fiber laser device design where the first optical element is modularized and housed in a detachable module within the device's housing, allowing for easy attachment and detachment through a dedicated opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the first optical element is housed inside the housing together with other components, then the device structure is compact and integrated, but the optical element becomes difficult to replace when it reaches product life

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveReplaceability of optical elementVSAvoidModule detachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a housing and a separate module housing containing the first optical element. This segmentation allows the optical element to be replaced independently by detaching the entire module housing through the opening, without affecting other components inside the main housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first optical element is extracted from the integrated housing structure and placed in a separate detachable module housing. This extraction enables easy removal and replacement of the optical element by simply detaching the module housing through the opening in the main housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the optical element is made replaceable through modular design, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the risk of damage during replacement may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidDamage risk during replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first optical element is merged with the module housing as an integrated unit. This combining ensures that the optical element remains protected within the module housing during detachment and replacement operations, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining high maintenance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The module housing serves as a protective container that cushions and protects the first optical element before and during the replacement process. This prior protection mechanism prevents direct exposure of the optical element to potential damage during detachment and installation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250087958A1Fiber laser device and fiber module for fiber laser device

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

A fiber laser device includes: a housing; a first optical element configured to include a first fiber and a first fiber connector; and a second optical element configured to include a second fiber and a second fiber connector. The first optical element and the second optical element are optically connectable via the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector, at least a part of the first optical element is housed in a module housing, an opening is formed in a wall portion of the housing, the module housing is detachably attached inside the housing through the opening, and the end portion of the first fiber and the first fiber connector are provided to project from the module housing at one end portion of the module housing.