Laser Processing Head Mounting Cover for Cleaner Optical Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser processing heads face issues with dirt and smoke contamination due to exposed access points, leading to reduced optical component lifespan and increased risk of unintentional opening, while also limiting customization and accessibility to optical components.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves relocating access openings to the mounting surface, which is less exposed to dirt, and providing a hinged mounting cover that allows for safe and easy access to optical components without removing the laser processing head from the carrier, enhancing sealing and allowing for customized design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If access openings are provided on front or lateral surfaces of the housing, then optical components can be accessed for servicing, but dirt particles and smoke can enter the housing through these exposed access points
Solution Approach 1:
The access opening is relocated from the front or lateral surfaces to the mounting surface (rear surface) of the housing, changing the spatial dimension and location of access. This allows servicing while the front and lateral surfaces remain sealed and exposed to less contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting cover is introduced as an intermediary element that seals the mounting surface and access opening during operation, while still allowing controlled access when needed. The mounting cover acts as a barrier against dirt particles while maintaining the ability to service optical components.
2Ease of operation
If access openings are provided on exposed surfaces of the housing, then optical components are accessible, but the housing interfaces and access openings become heavily soiled by dust, smoke, and splashes
Solution Approach 1:
The access opening is moved to the mounting surface, which is less exposed to contamination during laser processing. This spatial relocation maintains accessibility while improving the sealing quality of the main housing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting cover serves as a sealing intermediary that protects the mounting surface and access opening from contamination. It maintains reliable sealing while allowing controlled access to optical components when removed or opened.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple horizontal modules are connected in vertical direction, then optical components can be arranged and accessed, but the interfaces between modules represent potential weak points of sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The access opening is extracted from the module interfaces and relocated to the mounting surface. This removes the vulnerability of module interfaces from the contamination pathway, allowing optical components to be accessed without compromising the sealing of horizontal module interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting cover acts as a sealing intermediary that protects the mounting surface area, allowing the horizontal module interfaces to maintain their sealing integrity while still enabling access to optical components through the covered mounting surface.
4Ease of operation
If access openings are provided on front or lateral surfaces, then optical components are accessible, but the laser processing head is exposed to unintentional opening by users in dirty environment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting cover serves as a protective intermediary that covers and protects the access opening during normal operation. It prevents unintentional opening by users while still allowing controlled access when properly removed, enhancing safety in the dirty laser processing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
By relocating the access opening to the mounting surface and covering it with a mounting cover, the design creates a protected access point that is less visible and less accessible to users during operation, reducing the risk of unintentional opening while maintaining serviceability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A laser processing head includes a housing including a mounting surface for mounting the laser processing head on a carrier; a plurality of optical components arranged within the housing; and an access opening formed in the housing for removing or inserting at least one first optical component among the optical components, the access opening being formed in the mounting surface.