Robot-Mounted Laser Attachment Detection for Safe Auto Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser process systems, ensuring operator safety during automatic drive modes is a challenge, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent accidents caused by improper attachment of the laser emitting device or external interference.
Innovation Solution
The laser process system incorporates a controller that executes automatic drive operations only when the laser emitting device is properly attached to the robot, as detected by an attachment detection sensor, and includes a mode selection switch to choose between automatic and manual drive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic drive mode is enabled without attachment verification, then productivity is improved through automated operation, but safety deteriorates due to risk of operation with detached laser emitting device
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment detection sensor performs preliminary verification of the laser emitting device attachment status before the automatic drive mode is activated. The controller checks the sensor signal to confirm proper attachment, and only then permits automatic operation to proceed. This preliminary action prevents unsafe operation while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If attachment detection sensor is added to verify device connection, then safety is improved by preventing operation with detached device, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interlocking or physical verification mechanisms with a simple sensor-based detection system. The attachment detection sensor uses optical, electrical, or magnetic fields to verify attachment status, eliminating the need for complex mechanical safety devices while achieving the same safety objective.
3Reliability
If the system requires manual attachment verification before automatic mode, then safety is improved by ensuring proper connection, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of the laser emitting device attachment through the attachment detection sensor. When the device is properly attached, the sensor automatically detects this state and the controller enables automatic drive mode without requiring manual verification steps. This self-service approach maintains safety while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing system includes a laser emission device, a robot that moves the laser emission device with the laser emission device removably mounted thereon, a mounting detection sensor that detects whether or not the laser emission device is mounted on the robot, a control device that controls a laser beam emission operation by a laser oscillator and a movement operation by the robot, and a mode selection switch that selects an operation mode of laser processing. The control device executes the laser beam emission operation and the movement operation in an automatic operation mode if the automatic operation mode is selected by the mode selection switch and the mounting detection sensor has detected that the laser emission device is mounted on the robot.