Laser Alignment Using an Aiming Beam and Movable Coupling Lens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment procedures for medical laser systems are time-consuming and pose safety risks due to the use of laser pulses, which can damage optics, and rely on thermal paper that contaminates and damages the system.
Innovation Solution
A medical laser system with a coupling lens assembly that moves in x-, y-, and z-directions, using an aiming laser to align components without generating laser pulses, and employing alignment features to ensure precise alignment without thermal paper, reducing the risk of damage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alignment procedures use laser pulses from laser cavities, then alignment can be performed, but safety risks increase and optics can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment laser as an intermediary tool to perform alignment procedures. This alignment laser is separate from the main laser cavities and their high-power output beams. By using this dedicated alignment laser with lower power and visible wavelength, the system can perform alignment without risking damage to optics from the main laser pulses, thus resolving the contradiction between alignment capability and optical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the laser beam path using an alignment laser that replicates the optical path without using the actual high-power laser cavities. The alignment laser produces a visible copy of the beam trajectory, allowing technicians to align mirrors and optics safely. This copying approach enables alignment functionality while eliminating the harmful effects of using real laser pulses during alignment
2Measurement precision
If thermal paper is used during alignment, then accuracy can be improved, but particles are generated that contaminate and damage optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thermal paper component from the alignment process entirely. By using a visible alignment laser that produces a visible beam path, the system no longer requires thermal paper for visualization. This extraction of the thermal paper element eliminates the source of contamination particles while maintaining alignment accuracy through the visible laser beam, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of thermal paper with an optical system using a visible alignment laser. Instead of using thermal paper that requires physical contact and generates particles, the system uses optical visualization through a visible laser beam. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical interaction and particle generation while preserving the alignment function
3Productivity
If conventional alignment procedures are used, then alignment can be achieved, but alignment time is excessive (one to two days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning features through the alignment laser system that provides immediate visual feedback on beam path alignment. The visible alignment laser allows technicians to quickly identify and correct misalignments without time-consuming iterative adjustments. This self-service capability dramatically reduces alignment time from one to two days to a much shorter duration, resolving the contradiction between alignment quality and time efficiency
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 significantly reduces alignment time, enhances precision, and minimizes the risk of damage to the medical laser system, allowing for safer and more efficient calibration and maintenance, enabling technicians to align systems on-site without the need for off-site service.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly is configured to move the lens in x-, y-, and z-directions
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path
Implementation Method 3
a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path
Implementation Method 4
a first mirror configured to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a second mirror configured to receive the laser light from the first mirror, and redirect the laser light along a third path that is different than the first path and the second path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes a first laser cavity to output a laser light along a first path, a first mirror to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a second mirror to receive the laser light from the first mirror, and redirect the laser light along a third path that is different than the first path and the second path, a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path, a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path; and a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly moves the lens in x-, y-, and x-directions.