Portable Laser Head With Circular Scanning for Uniform Coating Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser irradiation systems are cumbersome, inefficient, and unsuitable for structures that cannot be easily moved, such as bridges and buildings, due to their reliance on manipulator arms and linear scanning, which leads to non-uniform coating removal and potential damage to optical systems from scattered matter.
Innovation Solution
A portable, small-sized laser head with a circular scanning mechanism and shielding member, combined with a suction system, that focuses laser beams to draw a circular trajectory perpendicular to the optical axis, protecting the optical system and efficiently removing coatings while collecting debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a manipulator arm with linear scanning is used for laser irradiation, then the laser beam can be directed to the treatment target, but the optical path length changes causing non-uniform coating removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs circular scanning motion where the laser beam irradiates the surface in a circular pattern. This curved trajectory maintains constant optical path length from the lens to the treatment surface, ensuring uniform energy distribution and consistent coating removal across the entire treatment area, directly resolving the non-uniformity issue caused by linear scanning with variable optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic circular scanning motion controlled by a rotation drive mechanism. The laser beam is continuously moved in a circular path at a controlled speed, transforming the static or linearly moving laser application into a dynamic circular trajectory system. This dynamic approach ensures uniform exposure and consistent coating removal while maintaining simple optical path geometry.
2Productivity
If blast treatment with abrasive material is used for coating removal, then coating can be removed efficiently, but secondary waste is generated and base material may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blast treatment system with a laser-based thermal field system. Instead of using kinetic energy from abrasive particles to remove coating, the system uses concentrated laser energy to heat and decompose the coating material. This substitution eliminates the generation of secondary waste from abrasive materials and prevents mechanical damage to the base material, while maintaining high coating removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the coating material through laser heating. The laser energy raises the coating temperature to its decomposition point, causing it to decompose and vaporize. This phase transition mechanism enables efficient coating removal through thermal decomposition rather than mechanical impact, avoiding both waste generation and base material damage associated with abrasive blasting.
3Weight of moving object
If a portable laser head with circular scanning is used, then the system becomes lightweight and suitable for immovable structures, but the optical system may be exposed to scattered matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by positioning the lens at the front end of the laser head, exposed to the treatment surface. The circular scanning motion is designed to maintain a controlled distance between the lens and surface, and the continuous circular motion prevents scattered matter from accumulating on the lens, providing preliminary protection while maintaining the portable, lightweight design.
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 efficient coating removal on large, immovable structures with reduced costs and minimal environmental impact by using a lightweight, portable system that maintains optical system integrity and collects debris effectively.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a laser beam to a surface of a structure... heating the coating material to a decomposition point by the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
decomposing the coating material heated by the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
an optical system for scanning an irradiation point of the laser beam... focusing the laser beam transmitted via the fiber
Implementation Method 4
draws a trajectory of a circle having a radius r around the optical axis
Implementation Method 5
a suction source and a portable laser head... while a 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.