Laser Beam Coupler Optical Path Control for Profile Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining devices require complex and expensive position controllers to adjust the condensing lens for precise beam profile changes, which is impractical for achieving desired machining outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical path changing mechanism within the beam coupler to alter the optical path of laser beams without adjusting the condensing lens position, allowing for easier modification of the beam profile emitted from the transmission fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the condensing lens is adjusted to change the beam profile, then the beam profile can be modified, but the position controller becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical path changing means as an intermediary device that modifies the optical path of laser beams before they reach the condensing lens. This intermediary mechanism enables beam profile adjustment without requiring the condensing lens position to be changed, thereby avoiding the need for complex position controllers while maintaining adaptability in beam profile modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system (condensing lens position controller) with an optical path control system. Instead of mechanically moving the condensing lens to change beam profiles, the invention uses optical path changing means to alter the trajectory and configuration of laser beams, substituting a mechanical control approach with an optical control approach that is simpler and less expensive
2Productivity
If the spot diameter of the coupled laser beam is reduced for thin plate cutting, then high speed machining is achieved, but the beam profile becomes less suitable for thick plate cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic beam profile adjustment mechanism through optical path changing means that can modify the beam configuration in real-time. By dynamically changing the optical paths of individual laser beams before coupling, the system can adapt the beam profile to match different machining requirements - producing tight spot diameters for high-speed thin plate cutting or broader profiles for thick plate cutting, thereby achieving both high productivity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of laser beams by modifying their optical paths before coupling. By adjusting parameters such as beam convergence angles, relative positions, and optical path lengths of individual beams, the system can transform the coupled beam profile to have different spot diameters and intensity distributions, enabling the same laser system to optimize performance for both thin plate high-speed cutting and thick plate cutting applications
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
This configuration simplifies the adjustment of beam profiles, enabling precise control over machining processes by changing the optical path of laser beams, thus improving machining quality without the need for intricate position control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beam coupler that couples the plurality of laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser modules to form a coupled laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a condensing unit having a condensing lens, the condensing unit condensing the coupled laser beam to have a given beam diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A laser oscillator includes a plurality of laser modules, beam coupler (12) that couples a plurality of laser beams (LB1 to LB4) emitted from the plurality of laser modules to form a coupled laser beam, beam coupler (12) emitting the coupled laser beam, and a condensing lens unit having a condensing lens, the condensing lens unit condensing the coupled laser beam to have a given beam diameter and guiding the condensed coupled laser beam to a transmission fiber. Beam coupler (12) has optical members (OC1 to OC4) configured to change optical paths of laser beams (LB1 to LB4). By changing the optical paths of laser beams (LB1 to LB4) by optical members (OC1 to OC4,) a beam profile of the coupled laser beam emitted from the transmission fiber is changed without adjusting a position of the condensing lens.