Laser Marking Head Layout With Optical Isolator and Umbilical Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking systems are cumbersome, inflexible, and difficult to install and maneuver due to their bulky design and safety requirements, making them costly and time-consuming to set up, and there is reluctance to replace existing marking systems with them.
Innovation Solution
A compact electromagnetic radiation system with a separate optical isolator positioned between the radiation source and the umbilical assembly, allowing for a smaller marking head that can be easily integrated into production systems, featuring a moveable assembly and safety features to prevent accidental radiation emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known laser marking systems use multiple bulky housings for different components (laser source, extraction device, cooling system, radiation shielding unit), then the system provides complete functionality and meets safety requirements, but the system becomes large, heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to install and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (laser source, extraction device, cooling system, radiation shielding unit) into a single integrated housing. This merging reduces the overall system size and weight while maintaining all necessary safety features and functional capabilities within one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the laser source, provides radiation shielding, houses the cooling system, and incorporates the extraction device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate housings for each component, reducing system complexity and maneuverability issues.
2Reliability
If known laser marking systems use inflexible cables and conduits connecting different components, then the system provides stable connections, but the system becomes difficult to install on production lines and maneuver about the production line
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components into a single housing, the patent eliminates the need for multiple cables and conduits connecting separate components. The unified design provides stable connections internally while externally presenting a single maneuverable unit that is easy to install and reposition on production lines.
3Reliability
If customised laser marking system components are designed and built for unique production lines to meet safety requirements, then the system meets specific safety needs, but the process becomes expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing design with built-in safety features (radiation shielding, cooling system, extraction device) creates a universal platform that can be deployed across different production lines without requiring custom design and fabrication. This standardization maintains safety compliance while dramatically reducing setup time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates all safety features and support systems into the housing design before deployment. By pre-integrating radiation shielding, cooling, and extraction capabilities, the system arrives ready-to-install without requiring on-site customization, assessment, or fabrication of safety components.
4Reliability
If laser marking systems are fixed into production systems relative to articles being marked, then the system provides stable marking capability, but the system lacks flexibility in use and is difficult to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing creates a self-contained, portable marking system that can be easily repositioned to different locations on the production line. The unified design maintains marking stability through internal component alignment while providing external flexibility for repositioning and adaptation to different production configurations.
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 easy integration and operation of laser marking systems into production environments, reducing installation complexity and costs while providing enhanced safety and flexibility in marking various products.
Implementation Method 1
an optical isolator positioned between the electromagnetic radiation source and the umbilical assembly
Implementation Method 2
an umbilical assembly connecting the electromagnetic radiation source to the head and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam to the head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electromagnetic radiation system (100) for directing an electromagnetic radiation beam at a target (130). The electromagnetic radiation system comprises an electromagnetic radiation source (110) for providing the electromagnetic radiation beam, a head (120) for projecting the electromagnetic radiation beam on to the target (130); and an umbilical assembly (140) connecting the electromagnetic radiation source (110) to the head (120) and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam to the head. The electromagnetic radiation system further comprises an optical isolator (150) positioned between the electromagnetic radiation source (110) and the umbilical assembly (140).