Laser Drying Module With Closed-Loop Power Control for Coated Strips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying methods for coated pole pieces, such as hot air or infrared lamps, lack precision in controlling heating power for specific areas, leading to drying defects and safety hazards due to high temperatures from infrared lamps.

Innovation Solution

A laser drying device with a module of semiconductor laser units, a position sensor, and a control system that uses a closed-loop control algorithm to adjust the output power of each laser unit based on real-time drying performance data from sensors, ensuring precise drying and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared lamps are used for drying, then drying effect is achieved, but surface temperature becomes too high causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsurface temperature of lamp
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the drying method from infrared lamp heating to laser heating, fundamentally altering the thermal parameters. Lasers provide concentrated heating with controllable temperature distribution, avoiding the excessive surface temperature of infrared lamps while maintaining effective drying. The laser parameters (power, wavelength, scanning speed) can be precisely adjusted to achieve safe operating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using laser beams to provide localized heating only where needed on the coating surface. Unlike infrared lamps that heat the entire surface uniformly, lasers can target specific areas with varying power levels, concentrating energy precisely on wet regions while keeping surrounding areas at safe temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If same heating power is applied to entire surface, then drying process is simplified, but drying performance of specific areas cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying performance controlVSAvoidheating power control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating function by dividing the coating surface into multiple zones, each receiving customized laser heating parameters. The laser system is divided into multiple independent laser units, each可控 independently to provide different heating powers to different areas based on their specific drying requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where laser heating parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback from sensors. The system transitions from static uniform heating to dynamic adaptive heating, where power levels, scanning speeds, and beam positions are continuously modified to optimize drying performance across different areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If high temperature is used for drying, then drying speed is improved, but solvent NMP may explode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidexplosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal field distribution from high-temperature uniform heating to low-temperature concentrated heating. Laser heating provides intense energy locally to accelerate evaporation without raising the overall temperature of the coating or solvent to explosive levels. The parameters are optimized to achieve fast drying through concentrated energy rather than high temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables accurate and safe drying of coated areas by precisely controlling the laser power and dissipating heat, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent drying performance across different areas.

Implementation Method 1

the laser drying module includes semiconductor laser units arranged in an array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

after a pole piece or diaphragm is coated, it needs to be dried

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

the sensor module includes a sensor and a sensor driving unit, wherein the sensor is slidably connected to the sensor driving unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 4

the laser drying module further includes a heat dissipation duct, laser cable ducts, a quartz glass plate and a housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentEP4484872A1Laser drying device and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 KATOP AUTOMATION CO LTD
  • EP4484872A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484872A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4484872A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a laser drying device and a laser drying method, and relates to the technical field of coating. The laser drying device includes a laser drying module, a position sensor, a sensor module and a control system; the laser drying module includes semiconductor laser units arranged in an array and electrically connected to the control system; the sensor module includes a sensor and a sensor driving unit, wherein the sensor is slidably connected to the sensor driving unit, the sensor driving unit is positioned on a side of the laser drying module; and the position sensor is placed at an edge of a strip to detect a position of the edge of the strip. The precision of drying is effectively ensured, and the safety of production is also ensured.