Laser Processing Head Sealing With Sensor-Based Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing devices require mechanical components to detect the pressing of the sealing unit against the workpiece surface, which can lead to tilting issues and complex operation, especially when switching between different sealing hoods for various workpieces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of safety sensors, such as magnetic, pressure, or force sensors, to detect mechanical contact pressure without requiring relative movement between device components, along with an optically transparent barrier for gas separation and different gas supplies for the functional and sealing units, simplifies the operation and reduces tilting risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components (switches) are used to detect sealing unit pressing, then the sealing detection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and tilting issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and electromechanical safety monitoring with a safety sensor that detects mechanical contact force or pressure. This sensor provides both a digital signal for contact detection and a numerical value for contact pressure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable sealing detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different sealing hoods are used for different workpieces, then the adaptability to various workpiece geometries is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent changes and proper positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs safety sensors that provide feedback on the contact pressure between the sealing unit and workpiece surface. This feedback mechanism automatically verifies proper sealing contact, eliminating the need for manual positioning checks and simplifying the operation when changing between different sealing hoods for various workpiece geometries.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single gas supply system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to provide different gas environments for different processing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas supply system into separate zones: a first gas supply device for the functional unit area and a second gas supply device for the sealing unit interior. This segmentation allows different gas environments (e.g., inert gas for laser processing, air for sealing area) to be provided independently, improving manufacturing precision without requiring an overly complex integrated system.
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
This solution provides a digital signal for pressing action detection, allows for different gas environments for inscription processes, and ensures correct sealing and gas management, enhancing operational simplicity and safety while maintaining the integrity of the laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one safety sensor which detects when the sealing unit is pressed against the surface of the workpiece to activate the emission of the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
An optically transparent barrier is arranged between the functional unit and the sealing unit
Implementation Method 3
The gas supply unit and the first gas discharge unit are designed for purging with the first gas in the area of the functional unit. A second gas supply unit and a second gas discharge unit are designed for purging with a second gas in the area inside the sealing unit.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A laser processing device for processing the surface of a workpiece (WO) using a laser beam is specified, comprising a device head (GK) equipped with an optical unit (OE) for transmitting the laser beam and a functional unit (FE) via which emission of the laser beam can be activated, a sealing unit (AH) which is held below the functional unit (FE) on the device head (GK) and can be applied to the surface of the workpiece (WO), at least one first gas supply device (GZ1) and at least one first gas discharge device (GA1) for purging with a first gas, and at least one safety sensor (SS1,..., SS4) which detects the sealing unit (AH) being pressed against the surface of the workpiece (WO) to activate the emission of the laser beam.