Fixed-Angle CNC Optics for Stable Laser Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems in CNC machines, such as laser cutters, are prone to misalignment during shipping, assembly, and user operation, which can lead to unintended beam deflection and safety issues due to the adjustable nature of their optical components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fixed-angle optical components, such as mirrors and lenses, that are mounted at precise angles and not adjustable post-manufacturing, to maintain alignment and prevent misalignment, along with a sealed optical system to protect components from contamination and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical components are made adjustable to allow user configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to misalignment during shipping, assembly, and user operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making optical components fixed rather than adjustable. The optical elements are mounted at predetermined angles and positions that cannot be changed by the user, eliminating the risk of misalignment while maintaining adequate performance for the intended application.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are pre-configured during manufacturing with precise angle and position settings. This preliminary action ensures optimal alignment is achieved during factory assembly, eliminating the need for user adjustment and preventing misalignment during operation.
2Reliability
If optical components are made fixed at predetermined angles, then reliability is improved by preventing misalignment, but adaptability deteriorates as user adjustment is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional design philosophy from adjustable-to-fixed optical components. This approach prioritizes reliability and consistency over user adaptability, suitable for applications where standard configurations suffice and misalignment must be prevented.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to be self-aligning through its fixed component architecture. The predetermined angles and positions are engineered to provide optimal performance without requiring user intervention for adjustment, making the system inherently stable and maintenance-free regarding alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical components are made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to the need for precise initial alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components are pre-aligned and fixed during the manufacturing process with high precision. This preliminary action transfers the alignment requirement to the manufacturing stage, where controlled conditions can ensure greater precision compared to field adjustment by users.
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
This solution stabilizes the optical system, reducing the risk of misalignment and ensuring consistent beam delivery, enhancing safety and operational reliability by minimizing manual adjustments and maintaining alignment despite mechanical stress and wear.
Implementation Method 1
optical elements in the computer numerically controlled machine. The optical elements are oriented at a fixed angle to each other to deliver the electromagnetic energy from a laser to the material
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a head of a computer numerically controlled machine configured to deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a change in a material at least partially contained within an interior space of the computer numerically controlled machine. The system can further include an optical system comprising a plurality of optical elements in the computer numerically controlled machine. The plurality of optical elements can be oriented at a fixed angle to each other to deliver the electromagnetic energy from the head to the material.