Guide Laser Output Adjustment for Extended Lifetime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining apparatuses face a reduction in guide laser lifetime due to high output levels that exceed visibility requirements, making it difficult to extend the replacement interval, as existing solutions either focus on adjusting light intensity or ambient temperature without considering visibility.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus with a controller and laser output setting unit that adjusts the guide light output based on distance, scattered light intensity, and environmental illuminance using quadratic and linear functions to ensure visibility while minimizing unnecessary output, thereby extending the guide laser's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the guide light output is increased to ensure visibility, then the visibility of the guide light is improved, but the lifetime of the guide laser decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide laser output is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows real-time modification of the guide light output level to match actual visibility requirements, preventing unnecessary high-output operation that would reduce laser lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The output parameter of the guide laser is changed from a fixed high level to a variable level that can be adjusted according to actual needs. By modifying the output parameter dynamically, the system achieves both visibility requirements and laser protection
2Illumination intensity
If the guide light output is set high to ensure visibility in all conditions, then visibility is secured, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The guide laser operates dynamically with adjustable output levels rather than continuously at high power. This allows the system to consume only the necessary amount of energy to achieve the required visibility in different working conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always operating at full output, the system applies partial action by adjusting the guide laser output to the minimum level needed for visibility. This prevents excessive energy consumption while maintaining adequate guide light performance
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
The solution effectively adjusts guide light output within secure visibility ranges, preventing unnecessary power consumption and extending the guide laser's operational life by optimizing its usage based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a guide laser (for example, a guide laser 5 to be described later) that irradiates a visible guide light to the machining target
Implementation Method 2
a gap sensor (for example, a gap sensor 3 to be described later) that measures a distance between the cutting head and the machining target
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining apparatus capable of extending the life time of a guide laser is provided. A laser machining apparatus 1 includes a cutting head 2 that irradiates a machining laser light to a machining target W, a guide laser 5 that irradiates a visible guide light to the machining target W, and a power supply 6 that supplies electric power to the guide laser 5. The laser machining apparatus 1 further includes a controller 7 that performs control so that, before the machining laser light is irradiated from the cutting head 2 to the machining target W and laser cutting starts, electric power is supplied from the power supply 6 to the guide laser 5, and the guide light is irradiated from the guide laser 5 to the machining target W according to an output position of the machining laser light output from the cutting head 2 so that the output position of the machining laser light is ascertained. The controller 7 has a laser output setting unit 4 capable of adjusting an output of the guide light of the guide laser 5 within a range where the visibility of the guide light is secured when the guide light is output from the guide laser 5.