Laser Machining Head With Manual-Auto Emission Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing systems lack a unified solution that allows for both manual and automatic control of laser emission operations, compromising flexibility and safety during various machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing head equipped with a first input device for manual laser emission commands and a distance measuring sensor for automatic mode, along with a contact detection system to ensure safe operation in both manual and automatic drive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a laser processing head is designed for automatic drive mode only, then automation capability is improved, but adaptability to manual operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing head is designed with dual functionality to operate in both automatic drive mode and manual drive mode. The control unit can process either automatic drive commands from a machining program or manual laser emission commands from input devices, making the system universally applicable to both operational modes without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between automatic and manual drive modes based on the type of command received. The control unit adapts its operation by accepting different input types (automatic drive commands vs. manual laser emission commands) and adjusting its control logic accordingly, enabling flexible transition between operational states.
2Ease of operation
If a laser processing head is designed for manual drive mode only, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The laser processing head incorporates multiple input devices that can receive both manual laser emission commands and automatic drive commands. This universal input capability allows the system to maintain ease of manual operation while simultaneously supporting automated high-productivity operations through programmatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adapts between manual and automatic operational modes. When in manual mode, it responds to operator inputs from input devices for immediate ease of operation. When in automatic mode, it executes machining programs for high productivity, seamlessly switching between operational paradigms based on command type.
3Ease of operation
If switching between manual and automatic modes is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unintended laser emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines the operational mode (manual or automatic) in advance by identifying the type of command received before executing the laser emission operation. This preliminary determination ensures that the appropriate control logic is activated beforehand, preventing unintended laser emission while maintaining smooth mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates command type identification feedback that continuously monitors the type of input received (manual laser emission command vs. automatic drive command). This feedback mechanism ensures the control unit correctly interprets the intended operational mode, preventing accidental laser emission during mode transitions while keeping the switching process straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a laser machining head with which a laser emission operation can be performed in a manual operation mode in which a control device executes the laser emission operation in accordance with a manual laser emission command, and in an automatic operation mode in which the control device automatically executes the laser emission operation in accordance with a machining program. The laser machining head includes: a first input device that receives an input operation for sending the manual laser emission command to the control device; and a distance measurement sensor that measures a distance between the laser machining head and a workpiece W when the control device executes the laser emission operation in the automatic operation mode.