Laser Processing Enclosure Rotation for Compact Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing apparatuses, such as welding or marking machines, are bulky due to the vertical movement of the front casing, making them cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, especially when opened for access, and lack safety features and cost-effective designs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a support base with a rotatable casing that can be raised and tilted, allowing for reduced overall size by rotating around a horizontal axis, incorporating a counterweight for ease of movement and safety mechanisms like selective locking and balancing elements to facilitate manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front casing is fully vertically raised to allow access to the treatment area, then operator access to the treatment area is improved, but the overall height and bulk of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by rotating the front casing about a horizontal axis instead of moving it purely vertically. This allows the casing to tilt forward, reducing its vertical projection height while maintaining operator access to the treatment area. The casing transitions from a vertical movement paradigm to a rotational movement paradigm, effectively solving the contradiction between accessibility and compact height.
2Ease of operation
If the casing is made bulky to provide sufficient working space when raised, then operator safety and working space are improved, but the apparatus becomes more cumbersome to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling the casing to rotate about a horizontal axis, the patent allows the working space to be maintained in a tilted configuration rather than requiring a fully vertical raised position. This rotational freedom provides adequate working space while significantly reducing the vertical footprint and cumbersomeness of the apparatus when the casing is in the raised position.
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
This design reduces the apparatus's size when in use, enhances operator safety, and simplifies construction while maintaining ease of access and maintenance, resulting in a more practical and cost-effective laser processing system.
Implementation Method 1
there is a counterweight to balance the weight of the casing during the travel to the raised position
Implementation Method 2
the means for exerting a force on the casing is an elastic means
Implementation Method 3
the means for exerting a force on the casing is a gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is described for processing an object by laser, comprisinga support base comprising a treatment area for the object,a laser,a stand mounted on the base to keep the laser at a distance from the base and pointed at the treatment area, anda casing or cover to enclose the stand and the laser.To reduce the size, there aremeans for lifting the casing or cover from the base to a raised position where access to the treatment area is permitted, andmeans for rotateing the casing or cover around a—in use—horizontal axis while the casing or cover is in the raised position.