3D Laser Machining Head Buffer for Multi-Directional Collision Retreat

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining heads for three-dimensional laser processing machines are prone to significant damage due to collisions from different directions, and current buffer systems are complex, heavy, and not suitable for high-speed operations.

Innovation Solution

A machining head with a multi-axis structure and a buffer system that includes a first coupler with a coupling surface near the tip, a second coupler with a facing coupling surface, and a coupling member to couple these surfaces. When a collision occurs, the coupling surfaces separate, and a separator moves away from the arm, allowing the tip nozzle to retreat from collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two buffer means are provided in perpendicular and horizontal directions to prevent damage from collisions, then the machining head can cope with collisions from different directions, but the buffer becomes complex and heavy, making it unsuitable for high-speed operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidbuffer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer is designed to perform multiple functions with a single structure. The buffer can respond to collision forces from different directions (perpendicular and horizontal) through a universal coupling mechanism where the separator can separate from the arm in any direction, eliminating the need for separate buffer means for each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple buffer functions are merged into a single buffer assembly. Instead of having separate buffer mechanisms for perpendicular and horizontal directions, the invention combines these functions into one buffer with a separator that can move independently in response to collision forces from any direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If two buffer means are provided in perpendicular and horizontal directions to prevent damage from collisions, then the machining head can cope with collisions from different directions, but the buffer becomes heavy, making it unsuitable for high-speed operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidbuffer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer is designed to perform multiple functions with a single structure. The buffer can respond to collision forces from different directions (perpendicular and horizontal) through a universal coupling mechanism where the separator can separate from the arm in any direction, eliminating the need for separate buffer means for each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple buffer functions are merged into a single buffer assembly. Instead of having separate buffer mechanisms for perpendicular and horizontal directions, the invention combines these functions into one buffer with a separator that can move independently in response to collision forces from any direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the machining head operates at high speed to increase laser processing speed, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision damage increases due to higher operating speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser processing speedVSAvoidcollision damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned between the machining head and potential collision objects. The separator can immediately separate from the arm upon collision, providing protective action before severe damage occurs, allowing the system to operate at high speeds with reduced damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer converts the harmful collision force into a beneficial protective mechanism. When collision occurs, the separation of the separator from the arm absorbs and dissipates the impact energy, transforming the harmful collision into a controlled event that protects the machining head while allowing continued high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12311472B2Machining head and three-dimensional laser processing machine using the machining head

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A machining head capable of coping with impacts from different directions with a simple configuration of one buffer, and a three-dimensional laser processing machine using the machining head. A machining head having a multi-axis structure that rotatably supports orientation of a tip that emits a laser beam used for a three-dimensional laser processing machine according to the present disclosure includes a buffer in an arm that forms a predetermined angle with a direction in which a laser beam is emitted. The buffer includes: a first coupler that includes a first coupling surface provided near a tip; a second coupler that includes a second coupling surface facing the first coupling surface; and a coupling member that couples the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface 3b. When the tip is collided with a collision force, the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are separated.