Laser Tool Focus Adjustment Using a Movable Collimator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser tools for structuring cylinder running surfaces face challenges in reliably and repeatedly adjusting the focal position of the laser beam, particularly when switching between different cylinder diameters or responding to changes in the focus position, due to manual adjustment methods that can lead to inaccuracies and angle misalignments.
Innovation Solution
A laser tool with a collimator that can be moved parallel to the laser beam using a drive system, combined with a centering device for precise adjustment in the XY plane and a tilting device to compensate for angular displacements, allowing for automated focus adjustment without manual intervention, and incorporating a control unit for parameter-controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment with screws is used to set the focus position, then the focus can be adjusted to different positions, but the adjustment lacks repeatability and may introduce angular misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical screw adjustment system with an automated drive mechanism (motor-driven linear actuator) that controls the collimator's position along the optical axis. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, ensures precise and repeatable focus positioning, and allows for programmable control of the focus adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors (such as position sensors or vision systems) that automatically detect the actual focus position and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit then autonomously adjusts the collimator position to achieve the desired focus, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain optimal focus without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual screw adjustment is used for focus positioning, then the optical element can be clamped at various positions, but angular misalignment occurs altering the beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unreliable manual screw clamping mechanism with a precision motorized linear actuator that moves the collimator along guided rails or a linear axis. This ensures that the collimator moves only in the intended direction (along the optical axis) without introducing angular misalignment, thereby maintaining beam path stability while achieving focus position variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate guiding elements (such as linear guides, rails, or precision bearings) between the drive mechanism and the collimator. These intermediaries constrain the collimator's movement to a precise linear path, preventing angular deviations and ensuring that the beam path remains stable while allowing focus adjustment.
3Device complexity
If fixed focus setting is used, then the setup is simple, but the laser tool cannot adapt to different cylinder diameters or focus position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed focus setting into a dynamic, adjustable system. The collimator is mounted on a motorized linear actuator that can continuously adjust its position along the optical axis under programmatic control, enabling the laser tool to adapt to different cylinder diameters and processing requirements while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic change of the focus parameter by moving the collimator to different positions along the optical axis. The control unit stores and retrieves different focus positions corresponding to various cylinder diameters, enabling quick adaptation without physical reconfiguration of the device.
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 process-reliable and repeatable adjustment of the focal position, ensuring precise focusing on various cylinder diameters and maintaining optimal laser beam guidance, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of material processing.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator (11) for creating a parallel beam path of the laser beams (10a) from the laser source (10)
Implementation Method 2
The parallel laser beams from the collimator are guided through a lens (12) and then deflected onto the material surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
So as to develop a laser tool (100), in particular for structuring cylinder liners, which offers the option of adjusting the focal position of the laser beam with process safety and with high repeatability, the suggestion is for the laser tool to have a laser source (10) for producing laser beams, a collimator (11) for producing a parallel profile of the laser beams from the laser source (10), the laser beams being guided through a lens (12) that is arranged within a rotatable spindle (13), wherein an optical apparatus (14) for deflecting the laser beams onto a workpiece surface is fastened to an end of the spindle (13) facing away from the laser source (10), wherein the collimator (11) is movable parallel to the laser beam by means of a drive (15).