Laser Head Gauge Alignment for Precise Focal Position Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser processing devices without Galvanometer scanners face challenges in precisely matching the focal position of the laser beam with the robot's focal position, leading to costly and complicated tasks, and methods using slits and pinholes are difficult to implement accurately.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing device with a laser head mounted on an articulated robot, featuring a connector component with a gauge attachment for a reference point, allowing precise focal position adjustment through a series of steps involving a guide laser beam and positional adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a Galvanometer scanner is used to adjust focal position, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser beam focal position adjustment precisionVSAvoidscanner mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the focal position adjustment function from the complex Galvanometer scanner system and implements it through a simple gauge attachment on the robot arm. The gauge with reference points provides a standalone measurement mechanism that does not require integration into the scanner's internal positioning system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a gauge that replicates the focal position reference points on the robot arm, creating a simplified copy of the focal position measurement system. This gauge serves as an external reference that mirrors the required measurement functionality without needing the complex internal mechanisms of a Galvanometer scanner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If the laser head is moved to match focal position without a Galvanometer scanner, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adjustment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanner mechanism complexityVSAvoidlaser beam focal position measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gauge as an intermediary measurement tool between the laser head and the robot arm. This gauge provides reference points that serve as a mediator for accurately determining focal position, enabling precise measurement without requiring complex scanner mechanisms. The gauge acts as a simple yet effective intermediary that bridges the gap between the laser system and robot positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If slits and pinholes are used for focal position adjustment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal position measurement accuracyVSAvoidslit and pinhole positioning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement function into discrete reference points on the gauge rather than requiring precise alignment of continuous elements like slits and pinholes. The gauge divides the measurement task into checking positions against specific reference marks, making the operation simpler and more straightforward while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive gauge that can be easily attached and removed, replacing complex positioning mechanisms. The gauge serves as a temporary, easy-to-use measurement tool that does not require permanent installation or complex alignment procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables precise focal position checking and adjustment of the laser beam using a simple and inexpensive structure, reducing maintenance time and costs without requiring program modifications.

Implementation Method 1

a laser oscillator 10 that generates at least a laser beam LB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a condenser lens 22...condenses the laser beam LB in the optical unit 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP4269016B1Laser processing device and method for adjusting focal position of laser beam using same
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4269016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4269016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4269016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Laser processing device (100) includes a laser oscillator that generates laser beam (LB), laser head (60) that irradiates a workpiece with laser beam (LB), and manipulator (40) on which laser head (60) is mounted. Manipulator (40) includes robot arm (41), arm tip shaft (J6) provided at a tip of robot arm (41) in a manner rotatable about axis (RA), and connector component (50) that connects arm tip shaft (J6) and laser head (60). Connector component (50) is provided with gauge attachment portion (51a) to which gauge (80) is attached removably. Gauge (80) has a reference point corresponding to the focal position of laser beam (LB).