Protective Glass Panel Monitoring for Laser Processing Replacement Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The contamination of the protective glass panel in laser processing devices due to spatter and plasma fumes leads to a decrease in laser beam output, increasing the likelihood of processing defects, necessitating an efficient method for determining the optimal replacement time of the panel.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a camera to acquire images of the glass panel, analyze clarity using modulation transfer function (MTF), and a controller to generate information on panel replacement based on MTF values, ensuring timely replacement to prevent defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the protective glass panel is used for extended periods to maintain device operation, then device productivity is improved, but the panel becomes contaminated leading to decreased laser beam output and increased processing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operation continuityVSAvoidprocessing defect occurrence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of the protective glass panel's contamination level using a camera and MTF analysis before the contamination severely affects laser beam output. By detecting clarity degradation in advance, the system can schedule panel replacement proactively, ensuring continuous productive operation while preventing processing defects caused by excessive contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the protective glass panel is replaced frequently to maintain laser beam output, then processing reliability is improved, but device productivity decreases due to replacement interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam output consistencyVSAvoiddevice operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by capturing images of the protective glass panel and analyzing clarity using MTF values. This feedback mechanism tracks the contamination level in real-time, allowing the system to determine the optimal replacement timing based on actual panel condition rather than using fixed replacement schedules, thus balancing reliability maintenance with productivity preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual inspection methods are used to monitor panel contamination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and monitoring efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system structureVSAvoidcontamination level detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical monitoring system using a camera to capture images of the protective glass panel. The controller then analyzes these images using MTF (modulation transfer function) calculations to objectively quantify clarity and contamination levels. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with automated optical-electrical measurement significantly improves measurement precision and monitoring efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the protective glass panel is monitored continuously to prevent defects, then processing reliability is improved, but device complexity and monitoring costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing defect preventionVSAvoidmonitoring system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Efficiently determines the replacement time of the protective glass panel, preventing processing defects by maintaining optimal laser beam output and improving monitoring efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a camera configured to acquire an image of the protective glass panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection and transmission: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a controller configured to analyze clarity of the image and generate information on whether to replace the protective glass panel based on the analyzed clarity. The clarity may include a modulation transfer function (MTF)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation transfer function analysis:

Data Source

PatentUS20260034612A1System and method for managing replacement of protective glass panel of laser processing device and laser processing device

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

A system for managing replacement of a protective glass panel of a laser processing device includes a laser processing device including a lens portion focusing a laser beam on a point, a protective glass panel disposed between the lens portion and the point, a camera configured to acquire an image of the protective glass panel, and a controller configured to analyze clarity of the image and generate information on whether to replace the protective glass panel based on the analyzed clarity.