Laser Decoating Optics for In-Situ Multi-Glazed Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoating technologies are unable to efficiently remove portions of coating systems on multi-glazed windows already mounted on objects, such as buildings or vehicles, due to unknown window structures and manufacturing tolerances, leading to inefficient laser focusing and large decoated regions that are visually unacceptable.
Innovation Solution
A compact decoating apparatus with a fixed laser device and movable focal lens system, allowing adaptation to various window configurations without changing the laser device, and utilizing a galvo head for precise beam orientation, enabling in situ decoating of small portions on multi-glazed windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser decoating system is used to remove portions of the coating system, then the electromagnetic transmission is improved, but the decoated region becomes unacceptably large and visually unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focal lens movable along the optical axis of the laser beam. This allows dynamic adjustment of the focal point position to precisely control the depth and extent of decoating, enabling removal of only the necessary coating portion while minimizing the decoated area and maintaining visual acceptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focal position parameter by moving the focal lens along the optical axis. This parameter adjustment enables precise control over the decoating process, allowing the laser to effectively remove coating portions that cause electromagnetic interference while limiting the decoated region to the minimum necessary area.
2Device complexity
If the laser is always focused on a single point, then the apparatus structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different window configurations and coating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable focal lens that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis. This dynamic component allows the same simple apparatus structure to adapt to various window configurations and coating positions by adjusting the focal point, thereby achieving versatility without increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the decoating apparatus is mounted on the window, then in situ decoating is enabled, but the apparatus must be compact and easy to handle for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for decoating functionality, eliminating unnecessary bulk. The apparatus includes a laser source, movable focal lens, and mounting mechanism - removing non-essential elements to create a compact design that is easy to transport while maintaining in situ decoating capability.
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
Enables efficient and visually acceptable decoating of small portions of coating systems on multi-glazed windows, improving electromagnetic transmission without compromising thermal performance or aesthetics, and allowing for easy handling and transport.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device to decoat at least partially a portion of a coating system presents on a surface of the multi-glazed window
Implementation Method 2
a mobile part comprising a focal lens to produce a focal point of the laser beam at a defined distance Df from the focal lens
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an improved decoating apparatus and associated method inscribed in a parallelepiped rectangle R defined by a longitudinal axis, X, a vertical axis, Y defining a plane P and a lateral axis, Z, comprising a mounting means to mount the decoating apparatus on a window mounted in situ, meaning mounted on a stationary object, such as a building, or on a mobile object, such as a vehicle, a train,... The decoating apparatus further comprises a laser device to decoat at least partially a portion of a coating system presents on a surface of the window. The laser device comprises a fixed part, irremovable in the decoating apparatus in directions paralleled to plane P and along the lateral axis Z, comprising a laser generator to generate a laser beam. The laser device comprises a mobile part comprising a focal lens to produce a focal point of the laser beam at a defined distance Df from the focal lens. The decoating apparatus further comprises a movable means able to move the mobile part substantially along the lateral axis Z.