Protective Glass Airflow Shielding in Laser Beam Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser welding apparatuses are unable to completely prevent foreign matter such as spatter and fumes from adhering to the protective glass in the laser optical system, leading to focal length deviations and potential damage, necessitating frequent replacement of the protective glass.

Innovation Solution

A laser beam machine with a housing that includes a first blowing portion covering the entire circumference of the inner side of the first end, generating an airflow that covers the protective glass, preventing foreign matter from colliding with it, and maintaining uniform airflow and pressure to suppress adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air is flowed across the optical path of the laser beam to prevent spatter adhesion, then some protection is provided, but foreign matter still adheres to the protective glass requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of protective glassVSAvoidoperational life of protective glass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by introducing a gas blowing portion that directs gas flow along the optical path of the laser beam. This creates a protective gas barrier that actively prevents spatter and foreign matter from adhering to the protective glass, significantly extending its operational life and reducing replacement frequency compared to conventional air blowing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If protective glass is used to prevent spatter collision, then the optical system is protected, but foreign matter still adheres causing focal length deviation and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatter collision protectionVSAvoidfocal length accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gas blowing portion creates a controlled gas flow that forms a protective barrier along the optical path, preventing spatter and foreign matter from reaching the protective glass. This maintains the glass's optical properties and focal length accuracy while still providing protection against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an inert or protective gas atmosphere along the optical path to displace air and create an environment that prevents oxidation and adhesion of foreign matter to the protective glass, thereby maintaining optical precision and preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 effectively reduces the rate of foreign matter adhesion to the protective glass, extending its operational life and reducing the frequency of replacements by half compared to conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

the first blowing portion blows a gas toward a central axis of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20230264301A1Laser beam machine
Publication Date: 2023.08.24 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US20230264301A1 patent drawing
  • US20230264301A1 patent drawing
  • US20230264301A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The laser beam machine includes: a laser emitting system for emitting a laser beam, wherein the laser emitting system has a protective glass capable of transmitting the laser beam; and a housing attached to the laser emitting system. The housing includes, a first end facing the laser emitting system, a second end opposite to the first end, and a first blowing portion located over an entire circumference of an interior of the first end. The first blowing portion blows a gas toward a central axis of the housing.