Laser Processing Beam Shielding With Transmittance-Monitored Liquid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser processing devices face challenges in preventing laser beam leakage due to complex structures and imperfect light shielding, especially in gantry-type devices where the beam can reflect and escape through gaps, and existing cooling methods do not address light shielding effectively.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing device with a container storing transmission inhibition liquid and a transmittance detection sensor system that controls laser emission based on detected transmittance, ensuring the laser beam is absorbed or scattered before it can leak outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cutting table-side light shielding member is installed below the workpiece to prevent laser beam leakage, then the laser beam leakage is prevented, but the device structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam leakage preventionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the light shielding function from the complex mechanical shielding member and relocates it to the cutting table surface itself by forming a light shielding layer through laser beam reflection. This eliminates the need for separate cutting table-side light shielding members, simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable laser beam containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a light shielding layer as an intermediary substance formed on the cutting table surface. This layer acts as a mediator between the laser beam and the cutting table, absorbing or reflecting the reflected laser beam to prevent leakage, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a cutting table-side light shielding member is disposed below the workpiece to prevent laser beam leakage, then the laser beam leakage is prevented, but the light shielding becomes imperfect over time due to scraping by the laser beam

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam leakage preventionVSAvoidlight shielding durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the light shielding member below the workpiece where it gets scraped by the laser beam, the invention inverts the approach by forming the light shielding layer on the cutting table surface where the reflected laser beam makes contact. This reversal of the shielding location eliminates the scraping problem and ensures long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shielding layer can be easily replenished or renewed on the cutting table surface, making it a consumable component that maintains effectiveness over time. This approach ensures continuous reliable light shielding without the durability issues of fixed mechanical shielding members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Temperature

If water is used in the water tank for cooling the workpiece or preventing dust scattering, then cooling and dust control are achieved, but light shielding of the laser beam is not considered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece coolingVSAvoidlaser beam light shielding

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the cutting table surface serve multiple functions: it acts as both the work support surface and the light shielding layer carrier. The light shielding layer on the cutting table simultaneously prevents laser beam leakage and works alongside the water cooling system, creating a multi-functional setup that addresses both cooling and light shielding requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shielding layer acts as an intermediary between the laser beam and the water cooling system. It selectively absorbs or reflects the laser beam while allowing the water cooling to function independently, thereby integrating both functions without interference and achieving both workpiece cooling and laser beam containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents laser beam leakage with a simple device structure, reducing the need for complex light shielding members and ensuring reliable containment of the beam, even when using fiber lasers.

Implementation Method 1

a container (1), capable of storing a transmission inhibition liquid (LI) inhibiting transmission of the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a transmission inhibition liquid (LI) inhibiting transmission of the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

a transmittance detection sensor (42), detecting at least transmittance of the internal space (43a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransmittance detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS20240261898A1Laser processing device and laser processing method

Publication Date: 2024.08.08 KOMATSU SANKI

AI summary

A container can store a transmission inhibition liquid that inhibits transmission of a laser beam. A liquid storage unit has an internal space, and is connected to the container such that the transmission inhibition liquid stored in the container enters the internal space. A transmittance detection sensor detects transmittance of the internal space in the liquid storage unit.