Segmented Electrode Protection Ring for Laser Head Collision Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cutting machines face collisions between the laser cutting head and workpieces due to tilting parts, which can damage the nozzle and require complex tilt prevention functions or unreliable protection devices that often lead to unnecessary system stops.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with electrodes extending around the laser cutting head periphery, measuring electrical resistance to detect collisions and adjust the cutting path to avoid obstacles, allowing continuous operation without component exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tilt prevention function is implemented to prevent collisions, then collision prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to sophisticated programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software-based tilt prevention functions with a simple electrical detection system. Conductive elements are positioned around the laser cutting head to detect collisions with workpieces through electrical contact, eliminating the need for sophisticated programming while maintaining reliable collision detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive conductive elements (such as conductive rings or wires) that can be easily replaced if damaged, rather than investing in complex software systems. These simple electrical components provide reliable collision detection at minimal cost and complexity
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a protection device with capacity sensing is used to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to delicate capacity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces delicate capacity sensing with direct electrical contact detection. Conductive elements make physical contact with conductive workpieces during collisions, creating clear electrical signals that are far more reliable and easier to detect than capacity changes, thereby improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from electrical capacity (which is delicate and prone to error) to electrical conductivity contact (which provides clear binary signals). This parameter transformation makes obstacle detection more precise and reliable
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser cutting head moves close to the workpiece surface for precise cutting, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the risk of collision with tilted parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary collision detection by positioning conductive elements around the laser cutting head before actual cutting occurs. These elements detect tilted workpieces in advance, allowing the system to adjust the cutting path or stop before a collision damages the precision cutting components
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements act as a protective barrier that detects potential collisions before they reach the expensive laser cutting head components. This preliminary detection provides a cushioning effect by enabling preventive action against collisions that would otherwise compromise manufacturing precision
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
Reliably detects and avoids collisions by measuring electrical resistance, enabling continuous cutting processes without damaging the laser cutting head, even with non-conducting workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical property of the electrode device, in particular by detecting whether the electrode device is in electrical contact with the workpiece support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A protection device for a laser cutting head (10) comprises an electrode device (30) that is shaped to extend around a periphery of a fore part of the laser cutting head, and an electrode mount (43) for mounting the electrode device relative to the laser cutting head. The electrode device has a plurality of electrodes (33, 34, 35, 36) electrically insulated from each other, each one of the electrodes constituting an electrode device segment by being arranged to extend around a fore part segment of the periphery of the fore part. The electrodes (33, 34, 35, 36) are spaced from the fore part and electrically insulated therefrom. The protection device further comprises a detecting device (50) for detecting whether one of the electrodes (33, 34, 35, 36) has collided with an object by measuring an electrical property of the electrode device. Since the electrode device has a plurality of electrodes (33, 34, 35, 36), it is possible to not only detect that an obstacle is present but also to detect its location relative to the laser cutting head (10).