Laser Contact Element Surface Mapping for Precise Optical Breakthroughs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material processing apparatuses require prior knowledge of the contact element's shape to accurately determine its position for generating optical breakthroughs, which can be inaccurate due to tolerances in the contact element's shape.
Innovation Solution
A method where the shape and position of the contact element are determined using measurement laser radiation without prior knowledge, by focusing low-energy measurement laser radiation on the contact surface, detecting backscattered radiation, and adapting a three-dimensional surface model to the intersections, allowing for precise adjustment of the focus adjusting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the position of the contact element is determined based on a previously known basic shape, then the preparation process is simplified, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates due to shape tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental approach from using a predefined shape model to directly measuring the actual position of intersections on the contact element surface. This parameter change eliminates reliance on theoretical shape parameters and uses actual measured positions to determine the contact element's location, thereby resolving the contradiction between preparation simplicity and position accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/geometric approach of using a contact element with a known basic shape with an optical measurement system. By using measurement laser radiation and detecting intersections optically, the system achieves accurate position determination without being constrained by manufacturing tolerances of the contact element's physical shape
2Measurement precision
If measurement laser radiation is focused on the contact surface to determine intersections, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the focus adjusting device universal by enabling it to perform both measurement functions (focusing measurement laser radiation to detect intersections) and processing functions (focusing processing laser radiation to generate optical breakthroughs). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high position determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement and processing laser systems into a unified setup where both laser radiation sources use the same optical path and focus adjusting device. By combining these functions, the system avoids duplicating complex measurement apparatus while achieving accurate position determination through intersection detection
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 method enables accurate determination of the contact element's shape and position without prior knowledge, improving the precision of optical breakthrough generation and reducing errors caused by shape tolerances, thus enhancing the preparation of material processing apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
radiation backscattered or back-reflected from the focus of the measurement laser radiation is confocally detected
Implementation Method 2
radiation backscattered or back-reflected from the focus of the measurement laser radiation is confocally detected
Implementation Method 3
the measurement laser radiation is focused near or on the contact surface by means of the variable focus adjusting device
Implementation Method 4
processing laser radiation, the intensity of which is high enough to generate optical breakthroughs
Implementation Method 5
the intensity of which is high enough to generate optical breakthroughs. In such materials, non-linear interactions between laser radiation and material are usually exploited, mostly in the form of an optical breakthrough
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for preparing a material processing apparatus (10) for material processing of an object, wherein a contact element (20) to be fitted onto the object is attached to the material processing apparatus (10), wherein the contact element (20) is transparent to processing laser radiation, comprises a contact surface (22) on its side to be fitted onto the object, and an entry surface (24) on its side facing the material processing apparatus, wherein a shape of the contact surface (22) and/or entry surface (24) is determined by means of radiation of measurement laser radiation (14) before processing the object, in that the measurement laser radiation (14) is focused on the contact surface (22) and/or the entry surface (24) by means of the variable focus adjusting device (18), wherein radiation backscattered or back-reflected from the focus of the measurement laser radiation (14) is confocally detected and thus a position of intersections on the contact surface (22) and/or entry surface (24) is determined, wherein a three-dimensional surface model is adapted to the determined position of the intersections, wherein the 3-dimensional shape of the contact surface (22) and/or entry surface (24) is provided by the surface model.