Laser Processing Machine Control Device Idle Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing machines incur high running costs due to wasteful operations of functional elements during idling, as they continue to consume power regardless of processing mode, and existing stepwise stop methods are ineffective in reducing costs based on the machine's characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A control device for a laser processing machine that includes a measurement unit to track elapsed time since the last user operation and a control unit to stop individual element units based on specified conditions, allowing for customizable stop times for each functional element, such as the laser blower, optical-path purge, and temperature control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functional elements are operated continuously during idling, then the machine is ready for immediate processing, but power consumption increases and running cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational state of functional elements changeable based on time and usage conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts whether elements remain operated or are stopped, transitioning between ready state and power-saving state based on elapsed time since last processing and detection of new processing requests, thereby resolving the contradiction between continuous readiness and power consumption reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the measurement unit that tracks elapsed time and the control unit that periodically evaluates whether to maintain operation or stop functional elements. This time-based periodic evaluation allows the system to switch between operational modes, reducing power consumption during idle periods while maintaining the ability to quickly resume processing when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If functional elements are stopped during idling, then power consumption is reduced, but the time to resume processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the operational state of functional elements based on real-time conditions. When processing is requested after idle period, the control unit immediately transitions elements from stopped to operated state, minimizing the time loss while having already reduced power consumption during the idle period. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between power saving and quick resumption
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit continuously monitors elapsed time during idle periods, preparing the system to make informed decisions about element operation. This preliminary time tracking allows the control unit to optimally decide when to stop or maintain operation of functional elements, balancing power consumption reduction with minimal impact on processing resumption time
3Use of energy by moving object
If different stop times are set for each functional element, then power consumption is optimized, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control of functional elements into individual manageable units. Each element (laser blower, optical path purge, oscillator purge, cooling device) can be independently controlled with its own stop time settings. The control unit manages each element separately based on predetermined stop times, optimizing power consumption for each while keeping the overall control structure organized and manageable through modular independent control
Data Source
AI summary
In a laser processing machine 100 including a plurality of element units containing at least a laser blower unit 3, an optical-path purge unit 24, and a temperature controlling unit 8, a measurement unit and a control unit 10 are provided. The measurement unit measures an elapsed time from a final trigger at which a laser processing operation of the laser processing machine has stopped and no user operation is applied with respect to the laser processing machine. The control unit 10 stops the element units based on the elapsed time after the final trigger, when a condition specified for each of the element units is satisfied.