Laser Beam Hardening Tool With Integrated Shutter And Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a machine tool capable of effectively performing both mechanical machining and laser beam hardening, as existing solutions do not provide a suitable structure for integrating these processes.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam hardening tool with an engagement portion, a beam guide path, and a torch portion that can be freely attached and detached from a machine tool, featuring a shutter mechanism to prevent foreign objects and a cooling path to manage heat, allowing for precise adjustment and efficient laser beam delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a machine tool is designed to perform mechanical machining, then it can effectively machine workpieces, but it cannot perform laser beam hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is designed to accommodate multiple tool types including both mechanical cutting tools and laser beam hardening tools through a universal tool holding portion, enabling the same machine tool to perform both mechanical machining and laser beam hardening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam hardening tool is designed as a separate, detachable module that can be freely attached and detached from the tool holding portion, allowing the system to switch between different tool types without redesigning the entire machine tool structure
2Device complexity
If the beam guide path is aligned with the engagement portion axis, then the structure is simple, but the optical path is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The beam guide path is positioned offset from the engagement portion axis in a direction perpendicular to the laser beam supply direction, creating a spatial arrangement where the optical path and mechanical engagement path are separated in different dimensions, thus avoiding interruption while maintaining structural simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser beam hardening tool is frequently attached and detached, then tool exchange is flexible, but foreign objects may attach to the beam guide path end
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is pre-positioned to automatically close the beam guide path end when the tool is detached, preventing foreign objects from entering before they can cause contamination or power loss
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is designed to automatically open when the tool is attached and close when detached, using the attachment/detachment motion itself to trigger the protective action without requiring separate control operations
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 the integration of laser beam hardening with mechanical machining in a machine tool, preventing power loss from foreign objects and maintaining precision through adjustable beam guidance and cooling, thus enhancing machining quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
said beam guide path is comprised of a beam guiding body an outer peripheral face of which is processed so as to reflect, and said laser beam is transmitted in said beam guiding body being reflected by said outer peripheral face
Implementation Method 2
said beam guide path is a hollow passage which is formed inside a predetermined member, having an inner face processed so as to reflect, and said laser beam is transmitted in said hollow passage being reflected by said inner face
Implementation Method 3
a cooling path where fluid flows is formed near said beam guide path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam hardening tool is comprised of an engagement portion for freely engaging with a tool holding portion of a machine tool, a beam guide path which is a passage of supplied laser beam, and a torch portion for radiating laser beam which passed through the beam guide path on a workpiece, thereby executing hardening with laser beam inside the machine tool by installing the laser beam hardening tool in the tool holding portion of the machine tool.