Laser Processing Head Protector Temperature Sensing for Dirt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dirt detecting means in laser processing heads, particularly those using a protective glass, suffer from low intensity diffusely reflected light and are prone to disturbance from scattered contaminants, leading to inaccurate detection and potential false readings.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing head and system that incorporate a transparent protector with a temperature sensor to detect contaminants by measuring the temperature increase caused by absorbed laser light, allowing for accurate assessment of contaminant adhesion without the limitations of conventional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dirt detecting means is disposed on the rim of the protective glass to detect contaminants, then the detection structure is simple, but the detection accuracy is low due to low intensity diffusely reflected light and interference from scattered contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system (light sources, optical sensors, diffusely reflected light detection) with a thermal detection system (temperature sensor). Instead of detecting light reflections from contaminants, the system directly measures temperature changes caused by laser absorption by contaminants on the protective glass, eliminating optical interference issues and achieving more accurate detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect contaminant presence. Rather than directly detecting optical properties of contaminants, the system uses temperature rise (caused by laser absorption by contaminants) as an indirect but more reliable indicator of contamination level, effectively mediating between the laser- contaminant interaction and the detection signal
2Ease of operation
If a dirt detecting means detects diffusely reflected light from contaminants, then the detection method is straightforward, but the detection value is low and contaminants cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical detection method (detecting diffusely reflected light) with a thermal detection method (measuring temperature). This replacement maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving detection sensitivity, as temperature sensors can directly detect the thermal energy absorbed by contaminants from the high-power laser without requiring complex optical paths or high-intensity light sources
3Device complexity
If the dirt detecting means is disposed at the rim of the protective glass, then the detection arrangement is simple, but the detecting means is adversely affected by disturbance light from scattered contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system that is susceptible to disturbance light with a thermal detection system. Temperature sensors are not affected by optical interference or scattered light, allowing reliable detection of contaminant-induced temperature rises without the reliability issues plaguing optical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of laser absorption by contaminants (which causes temperature rise and potential damage) into a useful detection signal. By measuring the temperature increase caused by contaminant absorption, the system turns a potentially harmful phenomenon into a reliable indicator of contamination that triggers maintenance alerts
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
This approach enables reliable detection of contaminant adhesion on the transparent protector, ensuring timely replacement and maintaining the integrity of the laser processing system by distinguishing between reflected and black-body radiation, thus improving detection accuracy and reducing false positives.
Implementation Method 1
the intensity of the laser light to be radiated to the work material decreases
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the transparent protector when dust adhering to the transparent protector increases the absorbance of the processing laser light
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the transparent protector
Data Source
AI summary
Laser processing head (20) of the present disclosure includes housing (30), transparent protector (40), and temperature sensor (70). Housing (30) includes an optical path of processing laser light (LB). Transparent protector (40) is detachably fixed to housing (30), passes processing laser light (LB), and suppresses dust of work material (W) entering into housing (30). Here, the dust is generated from the work material (W) irradiated with processing laser light (LB). Temperature sensor (70) detects the temperature of transparent protector (40).