Galvano Mirror Laser Cutting Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser cutting machines face limitations in productivity due to high inertia of moving components, which affects production rate and precision, and are prone to mechanical crashes and complex control requirements, especially when dealing with large workpieces and fine details.
Innovation Solution
A low-inertia galvano system is arranged on a platform that moves in a plane parallel to the workpiece, with prismatic joints facilitating motion in multiple directions, allowing the galvano to direct the laser beam through a combination of platform and galvano motions, and a control module coordinates these motions to simplify operation and avoid crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser and workpiece perform two-dimensional relative motion using traditional methods (moving laser or moving workpiece), then the cutting capability is achieved, but the inertia of moving components increases, reducing production rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical X-Y motion system with a combination of a moving platform and a galvano mirror system. The galvano mirrors use electromagnetic actuation to deflect the laser beam, substituting heavy mechanical motion with lightweight optical deflection. This reduces the inertia of moving components while maintaining cutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the motion system into two independent parts: a platform that moves in one direction (e.g., Y-direction) and a galvano mirror system that provides deflection in both X and Y directions. This segmentation allows the heavy workpiece or laser assembly to move only in one direction while the galvano mirrors handle the other dimension, reducing overall system inertia.
2Productivity
If the laser focusing lens is moved to achieve cutting motion, then the cutting capability is achieved, but the precision optics of the laser focusing lens are stressed, leading to suboptimal cut quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the focusing lens with a galvano mirror system that deflects the laser beam. The focusing lens remains stationary, avoiding mechanical stress and maintaining optimal cut quality, while the galvano mirrors provide the necessary motion capability.
3Productivity
If a high-inertia planar gantry is used to move the laser, then the cutting capability is achieved, but the overall inertia of the system increases, reducing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion system into a platform that moves in one direction and a galvano mirror system that provides deflection in both directions. This eliminates the need for a high-inertia planar gantry, as the galvano mirrors provide the necessary X-Y deflection capability with minimal inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical planar gantry with a combination of platform motion and galvano mirror deflection. The galvano mirrors use electromagnetic actuation to achieve rapid beam deflection, substituting heavy mechanical structures with lightweight optical components.
4Productivity
If the workpiece is moved to a focus point of the laser, then the cutting capability is achieved, but the complexity of positioning and controlling the workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the workpiece with a stationary workpiece approach. Instead of moving the workpiece to the laser focus point, the laser beam is deflected by galvano mirrors to reach different points on the stationary workpiece, reducing positioning and control complexity.
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 configuration enhances cutting speed, reduces mechanical crashes, and simplifies control, enabling faster and more precise cutting of large parts with fine details by vector summing the motions of the platform and galvano, resulting in increased productivity and reduced inertia.
Implementation Method 1
a galvano arranged on the platform, such that a motion of the platform causes a motion of the galvano, the galvano including a first mirror, wherein a third motion of the first mirror positions the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser cutting machine includes a platform and a motion system. The motion system includes a first prismatic joint facilitating a first motion of the platform along a first direction and a second prismatic joint facilitating a second motion of the platform along a second direction. A galvano arranged on the platform, such that a motion of the platform causes a motion of the galvano, the galvano including a first mirror, wherein a third motion of the first mirror positions the laser beam along a third direction, and a second mirror, wherein a fourth motion of the second mirror positions the laser beam along a fourth direction. A control module controls concurrently the motion system and the galvano, such that a position of the laser beam on the workpiece is a vector sum of the first motion, the second motion, the third motion, and the fourth motion.