Laser Processing Head Closed Coolant Circulation Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser processing heads face issues with coolant leakage and contamination during maintenance, requiring external coolant supply and monitoring, which can lead to component damage and condensation problems due to the need for temperature and humidity control.

Innovation Solution

A closed coolant circulation path within the laser processing head that eliminates the need for external coolant supply by using a circulation device to circulate coolant, integrated with heat dissipation fins and temperature control systems to manage heat and prevent condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an external coolant supply pipe is connected to the flow path for cooling the laser processing head, then the laser processing head can be cooled effectively, but coolant leakage and contamination of optical members occur during maintenance operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidcoolant leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the coolant circulation system directly into the laser processing head by forming the flow path within the head's body structure. The coolant supply device is merged with the head itself, eliminating the need for external supply pipes and connections that are prone to leakage during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a seal member as an intermediary element between the coolant supply device and the flow path. This seal member prevents coolant leakage at the interface while allowing the coolant to flow effectively through the integrated circulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If external coolant supply is used, then cooling function is provided, but monitoring and controlling of outdoor temperature and humidity are required to prevent condensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionVSAvoidtemperature and humidity monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant circulation system is merged into the laser processing head structure, with the flow path formed within the head body. This integration eliminates the need for external supply infrastructure and associated environmental monitoring systems, as the closed circulation system operates independently of outdoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the laser processing head is made movable with external coolant supply, then operational flexibility is improved, but breakage and fatigue damage of the coolant supply pipe occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemovabilityVSAvoidcoolant supply pipe durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant circulation system is merged into the movable laser processing head itself, with the flow path formed as an integral part of the head structure. This eliminates the external supply pipe that would be susceptible to breakage and fatigue damage during movement and repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Prevents coolant leakage and contamination, simplifies coolant quality control, and effectively cools components without external supply, optimizing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance complexities.

Implementation Method 1

a circulation path which circulates a coolant for removing heat generated in the laser processing head due to the laser beam propagating in the laser processing head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heat dissipation fin disposed adjacent to the circulation path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a heat dissipation fin disposed adjacent to the circulation path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 4

a fan which generates an air flow to remove the heat from the laser processing head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10543568B2Laser processing head including circulation path for circulating coolant

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A laser processing head able to prevent leakage of a coolant out of a flow path or a coolant supply pipe. The laser processing head includes a closed-circulation path that circulates the coolant for removing the heat generated in the laser processing head due to a laser beam propagating in the laser processing head, and a coolant circulation device that allows the coolant to flow in the circulation path and circulates the coolant in the circulation path.