Laser Processing Head Shutter Layout for Compact Focus Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser processing devices face challenges in adjusting the focal length of laser light to accommodate varying workpiece shapes and heights without increasing the size of the processing head and device.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing head and device configuration that splits processing laser light into first and second split lights, aligns the optical axis of visible guide light with the first split light, uses a scanner for scanning, a light receiving portion for intensity detection, and includes a focal length adjuster with a second shutter positioned between the optical component and the focal length adjuster to allow precise focal length adjustment without enlarging the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shutter is disposed forward of a focal length adjuster in the traveling direction of laser light, then the shutter can block the laser light effectively, but the focal length adjuster needs to increase in size to account for the region occupied by the shutter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser light blocking effectivenessVSAvoidfocal length adjuster size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the second shutter backward of the focal length adjuster instead of forward. This reversal allows the shutter to block laser light effectively while the focal length adjuster does not need to increase in size to accommodate the shutter's space, thus resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the focal length of laser light is adjusted to accommodate varying workpiece shapes and heights, then processing accuracy is improved, but the laser processing head and device tend to enlarge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidlaser processing head size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by repositioning the second shutter backward of the focal length adjuster. This allows the focal length adjuster to maintain a compact size while still providing the necessary adjustment range to accommodate varying workpiece shapes and heights, thus improving processing accuracy without enlarging the laser processing head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of stationary object

If the second shutter is disposed between the optical component and the focal length adjuster, then the device size is limited, but the shutter must precisely block both first split light and viewing laser light simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidshutter control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of the second shutter with the existing shutter control system. The second shutter is configured to block both the first split light and viewing laser light simultaneously by being positioned to receive both beams, and is controlled by the same control unit that manages the first shutter, thus reducing overall system complexity despite the dual-light blocking requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 adjustment of the focal length of laser light to suit different workpiece surfaces while limiting the enlargement of the laser processing head and device, ensuring accurate processing and visualization.

Implementation Method 1

an optical component that splits the processing laser light, which is emitted from a processing laser light source, into first split light and second split light and aligns an optical axis of viewing laser light with an optical axis of the first split light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical splitting: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a focal length adjuster that adjusts a focal length of the first split light and the viewing laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocal length adjustment: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a galvano mirror that changes the direction of the first split light and the guide light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanometer mirror reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a light receiving element that detects the intensity of the second split light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230311246A1Laser processing head and laser processing device

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A laser processing head is provided with: an optical component for splitting a laser light into a laser light and a laser light; a scanning unit for scanning the laser light; a light reception unit for detecting the intensity of the laser light; a second shutter that shifts between a closed position in which the laser light is blocked and an open position in which the laser light is transmitted; and a focal distance adjustment unit for adjusting the focal distance of the laser light. The second shutter is arranged between the optical component and the focal distance adjustment unit.