Laser Head Thermal-Mechanical Alignment Without Fan Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser systems face challenges in maintaining the accuracy of the wavelength of light output due to temperature variations, and they often rely on fans and heat pipes that introduce noise and vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A thermal-mechanical adjustment device is integrated into the laser system, utilizing a pivot bar and thermally conductive portions to maintain beam alignment and dissipate heat, eliminating the need for fans and reducing noise and vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If fans and heat pipes are used to dissipate heat from the laser system, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but noise and vibrations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidnoise and vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the fan component from the laser system entirely, extracting the noise and vibration source while maintaining heat dissipation functionality through passive thermal management structures. The thermal coupling between the laser diode and heat sink is optimized to compensate for the absence of active cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-based active cooling system with a passive thermal conduction system using thermally conductive materials and optimized heat sink structures. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining effective heat dissipation through enhanced thermal pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If temperature control is implemented to maintain wavelength accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength accuracyVSAvoidtemperature control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature control function with the mechanical mounting structure by integrating thermally conductive portions directly into the holder assembly. The pivot bar and mounting structure serve dual purposes: mechanical positioning and thermal management, eliminating separate temperature control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, beam alignment via pivot bar, and heat dissipation through thermally conductive portions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining wavelength accuracy through integrated temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 maintains the accuracy of the laser beam's wavelength by ensuring precise alignment and efficient heat dissipation without the use of fans, thereby reducing noise and vibrations in the system.

Implementation Method 1

a first thermally conductive portion (142a, 142b) disposed at opposite sides of the laser head (130) adjacent to respective ends of the pivot bar (141)... configured to transfer heat away from the laser head (130)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a spring device (143) disposed at along the laser head (130)... configured to apply a force to the laser head (130)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3154136B1Thermal-mechanical adjustment for laser system
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP3154136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3154136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3154136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a laser system that includes a laser head (130) having a laser holder (110) configured to house a laser beam (120) and a lens (125) for reflecting the laser beam (120) at a predetermined wavelength, and a thermal-mechanical adjustment device (140) disposed on the laser head (130) and configured to adjust a temperature and an alignment of the laser beam (120), to maintain the predetermined wavelength of the laser beam (120).