Laser Calibration Gauge With Sensor Plate for Precise Beam Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for calibrating laser devices in additive manufacturing lack precision and reproducibility, particularly in freely positioning a working laser beam within a predetermined working area.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a sensor plate with multiple sensor fields and a perforated plate gauge with calibration openings is used to calibrate the laser device. The sensor fields determine the relative position of the pilot laser beam, allowing for precise calibration of the laser device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing calibration methods are used, then the calibration process can be completed, but the precision and reproducibility of laser beam positioning are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser beam positioning precisionVSAvoidcalibration reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor plate with multiple sensor fields is introduced as an intermediary calibration target. The sensor plate provides known geometric reference points that the laser beam must accurately position. This intermediary object enables precise measurement of laser positioning accuracy and ensures reproducible calibration results by providing a stable, measurable reference framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical calibration methods with an optical sensing system. Instead of using mechanical fixtures or physical alignment tools, the system uses a sensor plate with optical sensors to detect laser beam position. This substitution enables higher precision measurement and better reproducibility by eliminating mechanical tolerances and human alignment errors.

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

2Measurement precision

If a sensor plate with multiple sensor fields is used, then calibration precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative position determination accuracyVSAvoidcalibration device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor plate is divided into multiple sensor fields, each capable of independently detecting laser beam position. This segmentation allows the system to calibrate multiple positions simultaneously and provides redundant measurement points for higher accuracy. The modular structure of segmented sensor fields enables precise relative position determination while maintaining a relatively simple overall device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution achieves high precision and reproducibility in calibrating laser devices, enabling the production of components with improved quality and accuracy in additive manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

sensor fields for arrangement in a working area... determine the relative position of the sensor fields with respect to one another after exposure of the same through the calibrating passage openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12337414B2Device, system and method for calibrating a laser device
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 KURTZ GMBH & CO KG
  • US12337414B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to the invention, a device (1) for calibrating a laser device is provided, which is designed to freely position a working laser beam in a predetermined working range. This comprises a sensor plate (3) with one or more sensor fields (5) for arrangement in a working area, a perforated plate gauge (4) with one or more calibrating openings (6), wherein the at least one or more calibrating openings (6) are each arranged in the region of at least one or more of the sensor fields (5), a pilot laser device for providing a pilot laser beam along the path of the working laser beam to calibrate a laser device.