Handheld Pulsed Laser Scanning for 3D Surface Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cleaning devices are inadequate for effectively cleaning three-dimensional surfaces and require complex programming or stationary setups, failing to efficiently remove contaminants without damaging underlying material.
Innovation Solution
A handheld pulsed laser device with a sensor-controlled beam deflector and focal distance adjuster that scans in a two-dimensional pattern, varying focal distance and energy density based on surface characteristics to selectively remove contaminants while preserving the underlying surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a line-shaped laser beam is used for cleaning, then cleaning speed is improved, but cleaning effectiveness on three-dimensional surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the one-dimensional line-shaped laser beam into a two-dimensional laser spot pattern on the surface. By projecting a plurality of laser spots in a two-dimensional arrangement, the system maintains high cleaning speed while effectively treating three-dimensional surfaces, including recesses and contours that a line beam cannot reach
2Reliability
If high energy laser pulses are used to remove contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but damage to underlying material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different energy levels locally by projecting multiple laser spots with varying energy densities across the surface. The control unit independently controls the energy level of each laser spot, allowing high energy for contaminant removal in contaminated areas while applying lower energy to clean areas to prevent damage to the underlying substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a plurality of laser spots where only the spots targeting contaminants receive high energy pulses, while other spots use reduced energy. This partial application of high energy eliminates the need to apply excessive energy uniformly across the entire surface, preventing substrate damage
3Manufacturing precision
If a stationary laser cleaning device is used, then cleaning quality on flat surfaces is improved, but adaptability to three-dimensional surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control by allowing the laser spot pattern to move and adapt to the surface geometry. The beam deflector and control unit work together to dynamically adjust the position, shape, and distribution of laser spots to follow contours and reach into recesses of three-dimensional surfaces, maintaining high cleaning quality across varied geometries
4Ease of operation
If a handheld laser device is used for three-dimensional surfaces, then accessibility is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect surface characteristics and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop allows the handheld device to automatically adjust the laser spot pattern, energy levels, and scanning parameters in real-time, maintaining high cleaning effectiveness despite the operator's manual handling and varying distances from the surface
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 device achieves efficient and thorough cleaning of complex surfaces by minimizing heat input to underlying material, allowing for high-energy pulses to effectively remove contaminants without damaging the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
The heat input of the laser onto the surface is configured to vaporize a top layer of the surface, such as an oxide, organic or inorganic layer on a metal strip or on a non-metal strip
Implementation Method 2
Additionally, oxidation of the contaminant surface layer may occur, which is driven by the local heat input of the laser
Implementation Method 3
To improve cleaning speed, the projected laser beam is rapidly scanned along the surface to-be-cleaned, such that the effective cleaning beam is no longer a small point, but becomes a one-dimensional laser line across the surface
Implementation Method 4
during cleaning or treating of the surface, the focal distance adjuster is configured to, upon control by the control unit, periodically vary the focal distance of the beam around a measured relative distance between the device and the surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handheld pulsed laser device (1) for cleaning or treating a surface (100), comprising a laser source (10), a focal distance adjuster (30) and a beam deflector (40). The laser source is configured to emit a pulsed laser beam (20) and the focal distance adjuster, is configured to change a focal distance of the beam. The beam deflector may comprise at least one movable mirror (42) onto which the beam is deflected, wherein the deflector is configured to deflect the beam to scan the beam along the surface. The device further comprises at least one sensor (50), configured to provide a sensor signal that is representative for a parameter that is related to a characteristic of the surface, and a control unit (60), configured to control the beam deflector to scan the beam along the surface in an, at least, two-dimensional pattern, based on the sensor signal. The present invention further relates to a method for using the pulsed laser cleaning device during cleaning or treating of a surface.