Laser Cutting Optical Path Switching for Constant-Speed Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cutting devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between straight and curved machining without reducing the driving speed of the scanning unit, leading to inefficiencies in cutting processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed laser cutting device incorporates a light source, a stage for the workpiece, an optical system with a scanning unit, and an optical path selection part. This system uses multiple optical devices with diffraction parts that can change their diffraction patterns to adjust the laser beam's direction, allowing for continuous cutting at constant speed by switching between straight and curved machining paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the scanning unit changes moving speed to match the shape change (straight to curved), then the machining precision is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to speed reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the diffraction part rotatable to dynamically adjust the laser beam's diffraction pattern. The diffraction part rotates to change the vibration direction of polarized light, enabling the system to adapt to both straight and curved machining paths without reducing scanning speed, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining precision and preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the diffraction pattern by rotating the diffraction part to different angles. This parameter change allows the laser beam to produce different vibration directions of polarized light, enabling seamless transition between straight and curved machining while maintaining constant scanning speed, thereby solving the speed-precision contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffraction part rotates to change diffraction pattern for curved machining, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single rotatable diffraction part that can handle both straight and curved machining operations. This single component performs multiple functions by rotating to different angles, eliminating the need for separate optical systems for different machining types, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the diffraction part with a specific diffraction pattern that can be rotated into position. The diffraction part is prepared in advance with the appropriate pattern, and rotation brings it into the correct orientation for the desired machining path, enabling quick adaptation without complex real-time adjustments.
3Productivity
If the laser beam path is switched between optical devices, then the productivity is maintained, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical devices into a single rotatable diffraction part. Instead of switching between separate optical components, the system combines their functionality into one component that can be rotated to provide different diffraction patterns, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing optical path control complexity.
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 device enables efficient cutting of both straight and curved machining portions at a constant speed of the scanning unit, reducing the overall cutting process time and maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical device and a second optical device each having a diffraction part configured to convert an incident laser beam into polarized light, and the diffraction part may have a diffraction pattern in which a vibration direction of the polarized light is selected
Implementation Method 2
an optical path selection part disposed between the light source part and the optical system and configured to adjust the path of the laser beam so that the laser beam moves to one of the optical devices
Data Source
AI summary
A laser cutting device includes: a light source part configured to emit a laser beam; a stage on which a workpiece is placed; an optical system including a scanning unit configured to irradiate the laser beam to the stage and change an irradiation direction of the laser beam along a shape set for the workpiece, and optical devices disposed on a path of the laser beam, which is from the light source part to the scanning unit; and an optical path selection part disposed between the light source part and the optical system and configured to adjust the path of the laser beam so that the laser beam moves to one of the optical devices.