Laser Machining Head Beam Profile Switching With Selectable Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining apparatuses require complex configurations to change laser beam profiles, making it difficult for users to easily select and switch between different beam profiles, which hinders efficiency and accuracy in machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining apparatus with a simple configuration that includes a selector unit with a coupler and selector driving member, allowing for the detachable attachment of optical elements like axicon and facet lenses, enabling easy selection and adjustment of beam profiles by moving these elements along the optical axis, thereby changing the beam profile between gaussian, flat, and ring modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated optical device configuration is used to change beam profile, then the beam profile can be changed, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser machining head is divided into a base unit and a detachable selector unit. The selector unit contains the coupler and selector driving member, while the base unit contains the optical elements (axicon lens and facet lens). This segmentation allows the optical elements to be selectively attached and detached from the selector unit, enabling beam profile changes without replacing entire optical assemblies, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector unit is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of optical elements (axicon lens for ring mode, facet lens for flat mode). The base unit remains the same regardless of which optical element is attached, allowing one universal base unit to support multiple beam profile modes through different detachable optical elements, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are selectively inserted into the laser beam path, then the beam profile can be changed between gaussian, flat, and ring modes, but the time required for profile changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical elements (axicon lens and facet lens) are pre-mounted on the selector unit in predetermined positions. The selector driving member is pre-configured to move these elements into the laser beam path as needed. This preliminary arrangement allows rapid switching between beam profiles by simply actuating the selector driving member, eliminating the need for manual element replacement and reducing profile change time.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector driving member dynamically moves the optical elements (axicon lens and facet lens) into and out of the laser beam path based on the desired beam profile mode. This dynamic positioning mechanism enables rapid, on-the-fly switching between gaussian, flat, and ring modes without requiring physical replacement of optical elements, significantly reducing profile change time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser beam path includes multiple optical elements, then beam profile control is improved, but the reliability of stable laser emission deteriorates due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the laser beam source and the selectable optical elements. It provides a stable, fixed mounting point that ensures consistent alignment regardless of which optical element (axicon lens or facet lens) is active. The coupler's fixed position and precise optical interface maintain reliable laser emission stability while enabling versatile beam profile control through the detachable optical elements.
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 users to easily switch between different beam profiles without replacing other optical elements, reducing the time required for profile changes and preventing defects caused by unstable laser emission, thus maintaining machining efficiency and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical element is an axicon lens
Implementation Method 2
the second optical element is a facet lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A laser machining apparatus (51) includes a laser oscillator (1), a laser machining head (2) including a housing (21), first and second optical elements (711, 712) configured to change a beam profile of a laser beam (Ls) supplied into the housing (21) to first and second beam profiles (P3, P2), a selector driving member (23) configured to move each of the first and second optical elements (711, 712) between an advanced position and a retracted position relative to a luminous flux (Ls1), and a control device (3) configured to control the selector driving member (23) to selectively shift to a first mode (M1) to maintain the first and second optical elements (711, 712) at the retracted position, a second mode (M2) to maintain only the first optical element (711) at the advanced position, and a third mode (M3) to maintain only the second optical element (712) at the advanced position, the control device being configured to stop the laser beam (Ls) when the first and second optical elements (711, 712) move.