Laser Processing Head Dynamic Focus With Contamination-Resistant Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing heads struggle to dynamically adjust the focal position of high-power laser beams while resisting contamination and maintaining performance in harsh working conditions.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing head with a lens arrangement comprising first, second, and third lens elements, where the second lens element is movably mounted with an actuator to adjust its position along the optical axis, allowing for dynamic focal point adjustment while maintaining resistance to contamination through fixed and movable lens configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the focus position is adjusted using existing arrangements, then the focal point can be moved along the optical axis, but the system becomes vulnerable to contamination and damage in harsh working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into separate elements (first, second, and third lens elements) with specific functions. The second lens element is made movable while the first and third remain fixed, allowing focus adjustment without exposing all optics to harsh conditions. This segmentation enables selective protection of critical optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lens element is configured to move along the optical axis via an actuator, enabling dynamic focus adjustment. This movable component design allows the system to adapt focus position while maintaining a sealed structure that protects stationary lens elements from contamination in harsh environments.
2Productivity
If the focus position is adjusted quickly for time-critical operations, then productivity improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator-driven movable second lens element enables rapid focus adjustment by dynamically changing the distance between lens elements. This dynamic configuration allows quick focal point repositioning without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration of the entire lens system, balancing speed with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism replaces more complex mechanical focus adjustment systems. By using a controlled actuator to move only the second lens element along the optical axis, the system achieves fast focus changes with simpler mechanics compared to traditional movable lens assemblies or adjustable focus mechanisms.
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 solution enables rapid and precise adjustment of the focal point, enhancing the processing capabilities of the laser head while maintaining optical integrity and resistance to contamination, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens element is disposed in the head and images the laser beam from the input with a first focal length along the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
The second lens element is disposed in the head and has an actuator arranged therewith. The second lens element images the laser beam from the first lens with a second (positive) focal length along the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
The third lens element is disposed in the head and images the laser beam from the second lens element with a third (positive) focal length along the optical axis to a focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing head transmits a laser beam to a process zone. An input lens fixedly mounted in the head images the beam from an input with a first (negative) focal length along an optical axis. An intermediate lens is movably mounted in the head in connection with an actuator, which can move the intermediate lens along the axis at a variable lens distance relative to the input lens. The intermediate lens images the beam with a second (positive) focal length. An output lens fixedly mounted in the head images the beam with a third (positive) focal length along the axis to a focal point. The third focal length is greater than the second focal length and provides a large working distance. The focal point can be varied at a variable focal distance along the axis in relation to the variable lens distance by which the intermediate lens is moved.