Laser Oscillator Condensation Prevention via Dynamic Coolant Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid-state laser oscillators are vulnerable to condensation in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, leading to potential electrical shorts, contamination, and reduced lifespan, and existing solutions either require costly dehumidification or increase standby time before operation.

Innovation Solution

A laser oscillator design incorporating a heat exchanger, coolant bypass circuit, and control unit that adjusts coolant flow rates based on dew point and temperature measurements to prevent condensation, allowing for immediate startup while maintaining cost-effectiveness and extending device lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dehumidifying means such as air conditioner or moisture absorbent is used to manage humidity, then condensation is prevented, but cost increases and standby time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidstandby time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary dehumidification by circulating coolant through the heat exchanger before laser oscillation starts. The control unit activates the coolant circulating unit in advance to lower the dew point inside the housing, ensuring condensation-free operation from the beginning of laser oscillation without requiring extended standby periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the dew point parameter by controlling coolant flow rate and temperature. The control unit monitors the dew point and modifies coolant circulation parameters to maintain the dew point below the coolant temperature, preventing condensation while minimizing standby time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If coolant circulation is stopped to prevent condensation, then condensation is inhibited, but laser oscillation cannot start

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidlaser oscillation startup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls coolant flow rate and temperature based on real-time dew point measurements. The control unit adjusts circulation parameters to maintain optimal conditions for both condensation prevention and rapid laser oscillation startup, transitioning from dehumidification mode to operation mode seamlessly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If coolant temperature is lowered to cool light emitting device, then device temperature is maintained, but condensation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emitting device temperatureVSAvoidcondensation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different temperature conditions to different locations: the light emitting device is cooled directly by the coolant to maintain low operating temperature, while the housing interior is dehumidified by the heat exchanger to maintain dew point below coolant temperature. This localized temperature control prevents condensation on the device while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary between the coolant and the housing interior air. It transfers heat from the air to the coolant, lowering the dew point inside the housing without directly cooling the light emitting device, thus preventing condensation while maintaining device operating temperature.

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

The solution effectively prevents condensation, shortening standby time and extending the lifespan of light emitting devices while maintaining cost-effectiveness by dynamically controlling coolant flow and using a heat exchanger to manage humidity within the laser oscillator.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger (13) that cools a surrounding with a coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

condensation may occur in the laser beam generating unit 82 if the dew point inside the housing 81 is higher than the temperature of the coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS10516247B2Laser oscillator

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A laser oscillator having a condensation prevention mechanism capable of extending the life span of a light emitting device while maintaining cost effectiveness as compared to the conventional technique is provided. The laser oscillator includes: a laser beam generating unit; a heat exchanger; a coolant bypass circuit; a coolant circuit connecting these components; a housing storing these components; a coolant circulating unit that circulates a coolant to the laser beam generating unit, the heat exchanger, and the coolant bypass circuit with the aid of the coolant circuit; a first valve that adjusts a flow rate of the coolant supplied to the laser beam generating unit; a second valve that adjusts a flow rate of the coolant supplied to the heat exchanger; a third valve that adjusts the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the coolant bypass circuit; a dew point measuring unit that measures a dew point inside the housing; a temperature measuring unit that measures a coolant temperature; and a control unit that controls the first, second, and third valves on the basis of the dew point and the coolant temperature.