Galvanometer Mirror Laser Scribing for Building Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser engraving technologies for building materials are limited by low scan speeds and power capabilities, making them economically unfeasible for mass production due to high unit manufacturing costs and time-consuming processing.

Innovation Solution

A high-power (greater than 500 W) and high-speed (greater than 10 meters per second) laser system using lightweight, high-technology mirrors and advanced controllers to efficiently scribe graphics on building materials, achieving scan speeds of up to 65 meters per second with 2,000-2,500 W lasers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional linear-motor-driven laser systems are used, then the laser can etch graphic patterns on building materials, but the processing speed is too slow (0.5-3.0 meters per second) making it economically unfeasible for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser scan speedVSAvoidprocessing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional linear-motor-driven mechanical systems with a high-speed galvanometer mirror system that uses electromagnetic fields to deflect the laser beam. This substitution enables scan speeds exceeding 10 meters per second (up to 65 meters per second) compared to the 0.5-3.0 meters per second achievable with linear motors, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and productivity for mass production applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If conventional laser systems with low power (50-250 watts) are used, then the system can operate at reasonable cost, but the processing speed and capability are insufficient for high-volume production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser output powerVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power parameter of the laser system from conventional 50-250 watts to high-power operation exceeding 500 watts (up to 2,000-2,500 watts). This parameter change enables the system to process building materials at high speeds while maintaining economical production rates, resolving the contradiction between power capability and device complexity for high-volume manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If high-power lasers (1,000-10,000 watts) are used for cutting, then the laser can process materials effectively, but the scan speeds remain limited (0.5-3.0 meters per second) resulting in several minutes per square foot processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser power capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time per unit area
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (linear motors) with a galvanometer mirror system that uses electromagnetic deflection to move the laser beam. This substitution allows high-power lasers (2,000-2,500 watts) to operate at scan speeds exceeding 10 meters per second, reducing processing time from several minutes per square foot to seconds per square foot, thereby resolving the contradiction between power capability and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach significantly reduces processing time and unit costs, enabling economical large-scale production of decorated building products by etching graphic patterns in seconds per square foot, transforming plain materials into decorative components with striking designs.

Implementation Method 1

A high-power (greater than 500 W) and high-speed (greater than 10 meters per second) laser system... to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS10618334B2High speed and high power laser scribing methods and systems
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 REVOLAZE LLC
  • US10618334B2 patent drawing
  • US10618334B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.