Rotating Galvanometric Laser Head Alignment for Complex Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser machines with rotating galvanometric heads face challenges in efficiently processing small and complex geometries due to the large size and mass of the laser head, leading to slow and expensive production processes, limited movement flexibility, and difficulties in calibration and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A laser machine design with a reduced-sized galvanometric laser head that minimizes the number of opto-mechanical components, reduces mass, and eliminates dynamic focusing systems, allowing for more flexible positioning and faster processing speeds, while incorporating multiple rotation joints and advanced alignment tools for precise calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating galvanometric laser head with integral opto-mechanical components is used, then the optical axis remains stable and factory-aligned, but the laser head size and mass increase, limiting movement flexibility and processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser head into separate functional modules: the emission terminal is separated from the galvanometric scanner, with the optical path connecting them through defined optical axes. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's position and reduces the need for large integral structures, thereby improving movement flexibility while maintaining optical stability through precise alignment of the segmented components.
2Productivity
If the laser head size is reduced to improve access to complex surfaces, then processing efficiency improves, but the rotational joint and opto-mechanical components become more constrained in their design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the emission terminal in a different spatial dimension relative to the galvanometric scanner, with the optical path extending through multiple axes rather than requiring a compact integral arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration allows for a smaller laser head footprint while providing sufficient space for the rotational joint and opto-mechanical components to function properly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic focusing systems are included in the laser head, then focal distance adjustment is enabled, but the laser head mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dynamic focusing system from the rotating laser head and positions it separately in the optical path. This extraction removes the heavy focusing components from the moving mass of the laser head, allowing for faster rotation and positioning, while the focusing functionality is preserved through the separately positioned optical components that can adjust focal distance without adding to the rotational inertia.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a laser machine (1) for material removal of the Laser Engraving CNC Machine type, comprising: at least one movement axis (X, Y, Z) controlled by a numerical control unit, at least one emission terminal (3) associated with a laser emitter (2), wherein said emission terminal (3) is adapted to emit a laser beam, and wherein said emission terminal (3) defines an optical beam axis along which said laser beam is propagated, an operating unit (22) having an operating unit housing, wherein said at least one emission terminal (3) is accommodated in said operating unit housing, a galvanometric laser head comprising a first galvanometric mirror and a second galvanometric mirror, wherein a laser head frame has a laser head inlet opening and a laser head outlet opening, at least a first rotation joint (11), wherein said at least one first rotation joint (11) is a numerical control rotation joint and defines a first laser machine rotation axis (B), wherein said at least one first rotation joint (11) is configured to rotate said galvanometric head about said first laser machine rotation axis (B) at least between a first angular head position and a second angular head position; wherein said optical beam axis extends from said emission terminal (3) to at least said laser head outlet opening, and wherein said at least one first rotation joint (11) is arranged along said optical beam axis downstream of said emission terminal (3) so as to rotate said at least one galvanometric scanner with respect to said emission terminal (3) about said first laser machine rotation axis (B). Said laser machine further comprises optical axis alignment means configured to move said laser beam along at least two beam translation axes that are incident with respect to said laser beam and about at least one beam rotation axis that is incident with respect to said laser beam.