Circular-Scan Laser Head for Uniform Coating Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser irradiation technologies face challenges in efficiently removing coatings from large, immovable structures like bridges and buildings, as they require significant workspace, are difficult to maneuver, and generate waste and noise, while also being inefficient and costly for wide-area treatment.
Innovation Solution
A portable and lightweight laser irradiation apparatus with a small-sized laser head that uses circular scanning and a shielding member to protect the optical system, equipped with a suction source for collecting removed matter, allowing for efficient coating removal and waste management on complex surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional laser treatment apparatus with manipulator arm is used, then coating removal capability is achieved, but the apparatus is difficult to maneuver and requires significant workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into a portable laser head unit that can be manually moved and a separate control unit, allowing the laser head to be easily maneuvered to different positions on structures without requiring complex manipulator arms
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical manipulator arm system is replaced with a portable handheld laser head that can be directly positioned and maneuvered by the operator, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining coating removal capability
2Productivity
If blast treatment with abrasive material is used, then coating removal is achieved, but secondary waste is generated and base material may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical blast treatment process using abrasive materials is replaced with laser irradiation, which removes coating through thermal energy without generating secondary waste or requiring abrasive materials that could damage the base material
Solution Approach 2:
The removal mechanism changes from mechanical impact (blast treatment) to thermal energy concentration (laser irradiation), allowing precise control of energy parameters to remove coating efficiently without generating harmful waste or damaging the underlying structure
3Productivity
If linear scanning of laser beam is used, then coating removal is achieved, but optical path length changes causing non-uniform treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The linear scanning path is replaced with circular scanning motion, where the laser beam rotates around the optical axis to trace a circular trajectory on the surface, maintaining constant optical path length and ensuring uniform irradiation conditions throughout the treatment area
Solution Approach 2:
The static linear scanning approach is transformed into dynamic circular scanning with rotational motion, allowing the laser head to maintain a constant distance from the surface while covering a wider area uniformly through continuous rotation around the optical axis
4Productivity
If portable laser head with circular scanning is used, then maneuverability and treatment efficiency are improved, but optical system may be exposed to removed matter
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is isolated from the treatment environment by extracting the circular scanning function to occur on the surface plane rather than requiring the optical components to be exposed to removed matter, with the laser head positioned to trace circles around the optical axis while the optical system remains protected
Solution Approach 2:
The circular scanning trajectory acts as an intermediary path that allows the laser beam to cover the treatment area uniformly while maintaining a constant optical path length and keeping the optical system positioned away from direct exposure to removed matter and debris
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 enables efficient coating removal on wide areas without generating waste or noise, reducing costs, and effectively managing removed matter, while being suitable for complex and immovable structures.
Implementation Method 1
a method of removing a coating by laser irradiation
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a laser beam... to remove a coating or adhering matter
Implementation Method 3
suction source and a laser head for focusing the laser beam transmitted via the fiber and irradiating it to a surface of a structure... while removed matter generated from the irradiation point of the laser beam is suctioned
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a laser irradiation system, a method for removing a coating, and a laser irradiation apparatus capable of efficiently removing a coating on a surface of a structure and recovering the removed substance using suction, a laser head (3) is configured from an optical system (4) for irradiating laser beam (30), a suctioning means (33) for suctioning removed matter (60) produced at the point where the laser beam (30) is directed, and an attachment (5) configured to be capable of abutting a surface (20) of a structure, the optical system (4) being operated to scan the irradiation point of the laser beam so as to draw a trajectory of a circle having a radius r1 around the optical axis of the laser beam (30) on a surface substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.