Laser Module Sandwich Frame for Airflow and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas routing and airflow systems in laser processing systems are cumbersome, cluttered, and have limited impact on process stability and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A frame design for laser processing modules featuring a sandwich panel with perforated stiffeners and openings for airflow, coupled with base supports and beams, to facilitate efficient air flow and isolate components from vibrations, while allowing access to process components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard pipes, tubes and hoses are used for gas routing, then gas transport function is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome, cluttered and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates gas routing channels directly into the structural frame members, merging the support function and gas transport function into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate pipes, tubes, and hoses, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation while maintaining the gas transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, enabling gas routing, and facilitating airflow. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system, addressing the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
2Reliability
If bulk airflow passes over structural elements, then cooling function is provided, but the impact on process stability and structural stability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates specific airflow channels and openings in strategic locations within the sandwich panel structure to direct cooling airflow precisely where needed. This localized airflow approach ensures effective cooling of critical components while simultaneously providing structural stability, thereby improving both process stability and temperature control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow channels are nested within the sandwich panel structure, with the cooling airflow path integrated into the core of the panel. This nested design allows the structural element to also serve as the cooling channel, improving cooling effectiveness while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
3Productivity
If sandwich panel with perforated stiffeners is used, then airflow efficiency is enhanced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs perforated stiffeners within the sandwich panel structure, creating a porous-like configuration that facilitates efficient airflow through the panel. The perforations are strategically designed to maintain structural strength while enabling effective gas routing and cooling, thereby improving airflow efficiency without excessively increasing structural complexity.
4Reliability
If base supports with openings are used, then vibration isolation is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base supports feature selectively placed openings that are designed to disrupt vibration transmission paths while maintaining overall structural integrity. The openings are positioned and sized to provide effective vibration isolation for the laser source and optical components without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the base supports.
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 frame design enhances airflow efficiency, stabilizes structural integrity, and provides easy access to process components, improving the overall performance and usability of laser processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a core including stiffeners perforated by a plurality of first openings defining an interior of the sandwich panel configured to facilitate air flow in spaces between the first plate and the second plate
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of base supports may be configured to isolate one or more process components of the laser processing module from external or internal vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a laser processing module can be characterized as including a platform, a sandwich panel comprising a first plate and a second plate, a plurality of exterior walls, and a core including stiffeners perforated by a plurality of first openings defining an interior of the sandwich panel configured to facilitate air flow in spaces between the first plate and the second plate. A plurality of second openings are formed in the exterior walls, and a plurality of third openings are formed in the first plate, so that the interior of the sandwich panel is in fluid communication with a region external to the sandwich panel such that air flows through the sandwich panel and exits the sandwich panel via the plurality of second openings. A plurality of base supports having a plurality of plates and a plurality of beams extend from the sandwich panel to the platform.