Laser Processing Head Axial Crash Protection Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser head systems for industrial robots lack an effective mechanism to prevent crashes with workpieces during rapid movements, leading to potential damage and the need for recalibration after such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing head assembly with an anti-crash mechanism featuring a drive shaft, pivot arm, cam follower, and control arm that restricts movement in one direction while allowing free movement in another, allowing the laser head to absorb impact without transferring forces that would disrupt its position, combined with a high-pressure assist gas system that reduces downward force and enables higher pressure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser head is rigidly fixed to the robotic arm, then positioning precision is improved, but crash damage risk increases during rapid movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the laser head position adjustable rather than fixed. A height adjuster mechanism with a drive shaft, pivot arm, and control arm allows the laser head to dynamically change its position relative to the robotic arm, enabling the system to adapt between rigid positioning for precision and flexible positioning for crash protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the laser head assembly into multiple independent components: the laser head itself, the control arm, the pivot arm, and the height adjuster. This segmentation allows each component to function independently - the control arm can move to absorb impact while the laser head maintains its positioning precision when needed.
2Reliability
If assist gas pressure is increased to improve sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but downward force on the laser head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using the height adjuster mechanism to counterbalance the downward force exerted by high-pressure assist gas. The drive shaft and control arm system provides an opposing upward force that compensates for the gas pressure, allowing high sealing performance without excessive downward force on the laser head.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the laser head position is fixed during operation, then positioning stability is improved, but recalibration is required after crash impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing a control arm mechanism that can absorb crash impact before it reaches the laser head. The control arm acts as a cushioning element that deformable moves to absorb impact energy, protecting the laser head position from disruption and eliminating the need for recalibration after crashes.
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 anti-crash mechanism effectively prevents axial crashes by allowing the laser head to move freely upon impact, minimizing recalibration needs and enabling operation at higher assist gas pressures without sealing difficulties, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of laser processing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A cam follower is coupled to the pivot arm. A control arm having a bearing surface engaged with the cam follower... The cam follower functions to restrict movement of the control arm in a first direction while allowing movement of the control arm in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
combined with a high-pressure assist gas system that reduces downward force and enables higher pressure sealing
Data Source
AI summary
An upper housing assembly includes a pivot arm having an upper cam surface adjacent a distal end. A cam follower is coupled to a laser head to move up and down with a laser head. The cam follower exerts a downward force on the upper cam surface during normal operation. Thus, as the pivot arm rotates back and forth, the laser head moves up and down. A assist gas hose can be coupled between the upper housing and the laser head which has a spiral configuration permitting relative axial movement between the upper housing and the laser head. Upon an upward axial force being exerted on the laser head, the cam follower moves upwardly away from the upper cam surface.