Laser Beam Scanning for Precise Concave Feature Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beam processing technologies face challenges in efficiently and accurately processing workpieces, particularly in forming precise concave features on materials like duralumin and CFRP, with limitations in control and precision of processing beams.

Innovation Solution

A beam processing apparatus and method utilizing a laser light source, Galvano mirror, and control system to precisely control the position and movement of the processing beam, enabling removal and additive processing on workpieces by sweeping the beam along desired trajectories, with options for thermal and non-thermal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a processing beam is used to remove material from a workpiece, then material removal efficiency is improved, but heat impact on the workpiece increases causing thermal damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial removal efficiencyVSAvoidheat impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pulsed laser irradiation where the processing beam is applied in periodic pulses rather than continuous exposure. This allows the material to be removed efficiently during each pulse while the intervals between pulses permit heat dissipation, preventing excessive thermal accumulation and damage to the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing beam rapidly traverses the workpiece surface in a scanning motion, completing material removal in each localized area before moving to the next position. This quick passage minimizes the duration of heat exposure at any given point, reducing thermal damage while maintaining overall processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the beam irradiation position is changed to process different areas, then processing versatility is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing coverageVSAvoidirradiation position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a position detection system that provides real-time feedback on the actual location of the processing beam relative to the workpiece. This feedback information is used by the control system to make precise adjustments, ensuring that the beam maintains accurate positioning even when moving between different processing areas, thus preserving both versatility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with optical field-based positioning using a scanning processing beam. The beam position is controlled through optical deflection mechanisms (such as galvanometer mirrors or acousto-optic modulators) rather than physical movement of the entire processing head, enabling rapid repositioning with high precision and greater versatility in accessing different workpiece areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables high-precision processing of workpieces, including forming concave features with accuracy and efficiency, reducing heat impact on materials, and accommodating various materials such as metals and composites.

Implementation Method 1

a laser light source configured to generate the processing beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a beam irradiation position change member that is disposed on an optical path of the processing beam and configured to change an irradiation position of the processing beam on a workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4082713B1Beam processing device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NIKON CORP
  • EP4082713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4082713B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4082713B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A beam processing apparatus is a beam processing apparatus that irradiates a workpiece with a processing beam, and performs a removal processing of a first part of the workpiece by irradiating a first surface of the workpiece with the processing beam while moving an irradiation position of the processing beam along a first direction, and performs a removal processing of a second part of the workpiece by irradiating a second surface, which is formed at the workpiece by the removal processing of the first part, with the processing beam while moving the irradiation position of the processing beam along the first direction. A moving range of the processing beam for the removal processing of the second part is smaller than a moving range of the processing beam for the removal processing of the first part.