Laser Power Beaming Guard Circuitry for Beam Path Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser power beaming systems lack effective safety mechanisms to detect and prevent hazards from high-energy laser beams, particularly when the beam path is accessible to people, animals, or objects, which can lead to eye damage, burns, or ignition of flammable materials.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a plurality of sequentially activated safety systems and failsafe devices that detect objects in or near the beam path, adjusting beam intensity and direction, and using coded signals to control laser operation, ensuring rapid shutdown or prevention of hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-energy laser beam is transmitted through accessible space to deliver power remotely, then power transmission capability is improved, but safety hazards increase due to potential exposure to people, animals, or objects in the beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system performs preliminary detection of objects in the beam path before the high-energy laser is activated. Multiple detection devices scan the area ahead of time, and the controller prevents laser activation until the area is confirmed safe, thereby eliminating the hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the beam path using detection devices that provide real-time feedback to the controller. When an object is detected in or near the beam path, the controller immediately responds by shutting down the laser or adjusting its parameters, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism.
2Reliability
If safety detection devices are added to the laser system, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection devices serve multiple functions: they detect objects in the beam path, provide spatial information about the environment, and enable both preventive and reactive safety modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity by centralizing the logic for coordinating multiple detection devices and the laser system. It processes information from various sensors and makes unified decisions about laser operation, simplifying the overall system architecture despite having multiple components.
3Productivity
If the laser beam is activated immediately for power transmission, then productivity is improved, but the risk of harmful exposure increases if objects are present in the beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks using detection devices before activating the laser for power transmission. This ensures the beam path is clear of objects that could be damaged, allowing the laser to be activated only when safe, thereby preventing harmful exposures before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser operation based on real-time detection data. When objects are detected near the beam path, the laser parameters are adjusted or activation is delayed. This dynamic response allows the system to maximize productivity when safe while minimizing hazards when objects are present.
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
Ensures safe operation of high-energy laser systems by detecting and preventing hazards, reducing the risk of eye damage and ignition, and providing rapid response to potential threats.
Implementation Method 1
The guard circuitry has at least one emitter and at least one detector corresponding to the at least one emitter. The guard circuitry is arranged to form a detection area about the hazardous illumination area, and the guard circuitry is arranged to detect one or more objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area.
Implementation Method 2
The laser assembly 21, which converts electric power into optical power (i.e., light), typically but not necessarily in the near-infrared (NIR) portion of the optical spectrum wavelength between 0.7 and 2.0 μm.
Implementation Method 3
In some cases, the light reception module 31 includes an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells which convert light to direct current (DC) electricity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.