Laser-Cut Filtration Tubes With Synchronized Motion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filtration media in industrial processes require frequent replacement, leading to increased costs and challenges in processing and recovering solid wastes, and existing laser cutting systems lack efficiency in cutting precise slots, holes, and pores in tubes for filtration applications.

Innovation Solution

A laser cutting system that synchronizes laser pulses with rotational and linear stage motion to cut micro slots, holes, or pores in tubes, using a delivery system with a high-power fiber laser, gas assistance, and precise motion control to create filtration tubes with controlled porosity and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional filtration media are used, then filtration function is provided, but frequent replacement is required leading to increased costs and waste processing issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of filtration mediaVSAvoidwaste from used filtration media
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration media with a laser-cut filtration tube system. High-power laser beams precisely cut patterns into tubular structures, creating filtration elements with controlled pore distributions that extend service life and reduce waste from frequent replacements

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

2Productivity

If existing laser cutting systems are used, then cutting capability is provided, but efficiency and precision in cutting micro slots, holes, and pores in tubes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidprecision of micro slots, holes, and pores
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs high-power laser beams with precisely controlled parameters (power, pulse duration, focal point) to cut micro slots, holes, and pores in tubes. The laser parameters are optimized to achieve both high cutting efficiency and precise pore formation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pulsed laser cutting with synchronized rotational and linear stage motion. The periodic pulsing of the laser combined with coordinated movement enables precise control over pore formation while maintaining high cutting efficiency through continuous processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If laser cutting is performed without synchronized motion control, then cutting operation is simplified, but precision in creating filtration patterns is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of filtration patternsVSAvoidmotion control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements synchronized motion control where the laser pulsing is feedback-controlled based on the rotational and linear position of the tube. This coordination ensures precise pore placement and pattern accuracy while managing system complexity through integrated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively cuts tubes with high precision and efficiency, reducing waste and increasing the lifespan of filtration media by creating tubes with controlled porosity and accuracy, thereby minimizing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing filtration performance.

Implementation Method 1

A laser cutting system that synchronizes laser pulses with rotational and linear stage motion to cut micro slots, holes, or pores in tubes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The metal at the cutting point is heated by reaction heat released during reaction between oxygen and the molten iron

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

a coaxial gas jet structure to impinge on the working surface of the tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3856448B1Laser cutting system and method for cutting articles and forming filtration tubes
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SYNFUEL AMERICAS CORP
  • EP3856448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3856448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3856448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laser cutting system for cutting articles, such as tubes, and method of using the same. The laser cutting system can cut slots, holes, and/or pores into each article or tube to form filtration tubes, for example. The system includes a delivery system for delivering a laser beam from a laser source, at least one mirror, a focusing objective lens, a gas source, and a delivery nozzle. A first stage holds each article in a longitudinal direction, and may rotate the article axially during delivery of the gas and laser beam towards the article and move the article longitudinally relative to the delivery nozzle. A second stage is provided in the system for moving the delivery nozzle relative to the article being held by the first stage. A controller controls actuation of the laser beam and the gas source, and movement of the first stage and the second stage.