Laser Irradiation Apparatus With Fluid-Ejector Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser irradiation apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a consistent distance with processing objects during laser processes, particularly when dealing with inner surfaces, due to interference risks and focus tolerance issues caused by vibrations and rotations.

Innovation Solution

A laser irradiation apparatus featuring a laser light transmission mechanism, a condensing mechanism, a pipe-state casing with a fluid supply and guide mechanism, and a positioning mechanism that utilizes an ejector effect to maintain a constant distance from the processing object by generating a pressure difference and attracting the casing to the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the clearance between the irradiation apparatus and the processing object is set small, then the laser process can be performed effectively, but there is a risk that the irradiation apparatus will interfere with the inner surface of the processing object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser process qualityVSAvoidinterference with inner surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotation driving device that rotates the irradiation apparatus dynamically during the laser process. This rotational movement allows the apparatus to maintain a small clearance for effective laser processing while preventing static interference with the inner surface. The dynamic positioning ensures consistent focal distance without contact interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the clearance between the irradiation apparatus and the processing object is set large, then interference with the inner surface is avoided, but the process cannot be performed because the processing object is out of the focus tolerance range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with inner surfaceVSAvoidfocus tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing rotational movement of the irradiation apparatus, the system maintains a larger average clearance that avoids interference while the continuous rotation ensures the processing object remains within the focus tolerance range. The dynamic motion compensates for the increased clearance, keeping the laser beam consistently focused on the processing surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the irradiation apparatus is rotated spirally to process the inner surface of a pipe, then laser processing is enabled, but consistent distance maintenance becomes difficult due to vibrations and rotations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to process inner surfaceVSAvoiddistance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a positioning mechanism that provides feedback control to maintain a constant distance between the irradiation apparatus and the processing object. This positioning system compensates for vibrations and rotational variations, ensuring consistent focal distance throughout the spiral rotation process. The feedback mechanism adjusts the apparatus position in real-time to counteract any distance deviations caused by rotation and vibration.

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

Enables stable and consistent laser processing on inner surfaces by maintaining a constant distance, reducing interference and ensuring accurate focus, even under varying conditions such as vibrations and rotations.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid supply mechanism supplying a fluid from a fluid supply source into the casing and making it emit from the opening part; a positioning mechanism provided at the casing and keeping a distance from the condensing mechanism to the processing object constant by being brought into contact with the processing object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a laser light transmission mechanism guiding laser light from a laser light source and emitting it from a laser light emission part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

a condensing mechanism condensing the laser light emitted from the laser light emission part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight condensation: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP2537624B1Laser irradiation apparatus and laser irradiation method
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP2537624B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2537624B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2537624B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A laser irradiation apparatus of the embodiment includes: a laser light transmission mechanism (14) to guide laser light from a laser light source and emit the laser light from a laser light emission part; a condensing mechanism (11) to condense the laser light; a pipe state casing (12) to house and hold the condensing mechanism inside thereof and have an opening part to irradiate the laser light; a fluid supply mechanism (13) to supply a fluid into the casing to emit the fluid from the opening part; a positioning mechanism (19) provided at the casing to keep a distance from the condensing mechanism to the processing object constant by being brought into contact with the processing object; and a fluid guide mechanism (17) to guide the fluid emitted from the opening part to flow between the casing and the processing object along an axial direction of the casing.