Fiber-Umbilical Laser Marking Head With External Optical Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser marking systems are bulky, cumbersome, and inflexible, requiring complex installations and safety assessments, making them difficult to integrate into production lines and discouraging their adoption.

Innovation Solution

A compact electromagnetic radiation system with a separate optical isolator positioned outside the marking head, utilizing a fiber-based umbilical assembly and a moveable head, allowing for easy integration and flexible operation in production environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate housings are used for laser source, extraction device, cooling system, and radiation shielding, then each component can be independently designed and maintained, but the overall system becomes large, heavy, and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent component designVSAvoidSystem weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate housings (laser source housing, extraction device housing, cooling system housing, radiation shielding housing) into a single integrated housing structure. This merging reduces the overall system weight and footprint while maintaining independent design capabilities for each functional component within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate housings and inflexible cables are used to connect components, then component functionality is maintained, but the system becomes difficult to install and manoeuvre

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComponent functionalityVSAvoidInstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functional components (laser source, extraction device, cooling system, radiation shielding) into a single housing unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate connections via inflexible cables and conduits. This unified structure dramatically simplifies installation and manoeuvrability while preserving all necessary component functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If customised radiation shielding units are designed and built for unique production lines, then radiation safety requirements are met, but the installation process becomes expensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRadiation safetyVSAvoidInstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal housing structure that integrates radiation shielding capabilities applicable to multiple different production line configurations. This standardized yet adaptable design eliminates the need for custom-designed radiation shielding units for each unique production line, significantly reducing installation time and costs while maintaining radiation safety compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If known laser marking systems are installed with customised components, then safety and performance requirements are met, but the overall system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSafety complianceVSAvoidSystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate and expensive customized components into a single integrated housing structure, reducing overall system cost while maintaining safety and performance compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal housing design allows the system to meet safety and performance requirements across different applications without requiring expensive customizations, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 easy installation and versatile use of laser marking systems in various applications, reducing installation time and costs while ensuring safety and flexibility in marking different products.

Implementation Method 1

an optical isolator positioned between the electromagnetic radiation source and the umbilical assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical isolation: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an umbilical assembly connecting the electromagnetic radiation source to the head and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam to the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4375075B1Electromagnetic radiation system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASER LICHT TECH GMBH
  • EP4375075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4375075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4375075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electromagnetic radiation system for directing an electromagnetic radiation beam at a target. The electromagnetic radiation system comprises an electromagnetic radiation source for providing the electromagnetic radiation beam, a head for projecting the electromagnetic radiation beam on to the target; and an umbilical assembly connecting the electromagnetic radiation source to the head and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam to the head. The electromagnetic radiation system further comprises an optical isolator positioned between the electromagnetic radiation source and the umbilical assembly.