Laser Machining Heat Radiation Inspection for Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser machining devices lack the capability to inspect and control the objects used in the machining process, such as the laser beam source and workpiece, for defects or abnormalities, which can lead to suboptimal machining results and reduced product yield.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heat radiation measurement unit and a determination unit that assess the intensity of heat radiation from the workpiece to detect abnormalities and adjust the machining process accordingly, allowing for real-time inspection and control during laser machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a laser machining device performs machining work on a workpiece, then the machining quality and productivity are improved, but the ability to inspect and control the objects used in machining (laser beam source, optical system, workpiece) is insufficient, leading to undetected defects and reduced product yield

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoiddefect detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the laser machining function and the inspection function into a single integrated system. The laser beam source is used both for machining the workpiece and for inspecting the laser beam source itself, optical system, and workpiece through heat radiation measurement. This merging eliminates the need for separate inspection equipment and enables real-time quality control during machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the heat radiation measurement unit continuously monitors the temperature of the laser beam source, optical system components, and workpiece during machining. The determination unit compares the measured temperature distribution against predetermined standards and provides feedback to adjust the machining parameters or alert operators to potential defects, ensuring consistent machining quality and early defect detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If traditional laser machining devices are used without heat radiation measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inspection capability for detecting abnormalities in machining objects is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidabnormality detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the laser beam source and heat radiation measurement unit serve multiple functions. The laser beam source performs both machining and self-inspection, while the heat radiation measurement unit monitors both the workpiece and the machining system components (laser beam source, optical system). This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized inspection equipment while enhancing detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate inspection processes are implemented for laser machining, then the inspection thoroughness is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection thoroughnessVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inspection process with the machining process by using the laser beam and heat radiation measurement system to perform both operations simultaneously. The laser beam machines the workpiece while the heat radiation measurement unit inspects the workpiece and machining system components in real-time, eliminating the need for separate inspection steps and maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous inspection throughout the entire machining process by continuously measuring the heat radiation from the workpiece and machining system components. This continuous monitoring provides real-time defect detection without interrupting the machining operation, maintaining both inspection thoroughness and machining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 and proper inspection of objects used in laser machining, improving the detection of defects and abnormalities, thereby enhancing the quality of machined products and increasing yield by allowing for simultaneous machining and inspection.

Implementation Method 1

a heat radiation measurement unit that measures intensity of heat radiation of a workpiece irradiated with a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4026648B1Laser machining device, and process of laser machining
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP4026648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026648B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

There is provided a laser machining device (101) which can realize an easy and proper inspection for an object used in laser machining work. The laser machining device (101) includes heat radiation measurement unit (126) that measures intensity of heat radiation of a workpiece (141) irradiated with a laser beam, and a determination unit (111) that determines a state of a target (141) by defining an object used in the machining work as the target (141), based on the intensity of the heat radiation measured by the heat radiation measurement unit (126).