Laser Machining Intensity Mapping for Accurate Breakage Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the breakage threshold in laser machining are complex and unreliable, as they assume a Gaussian distribution of laser light intensity, which can lead to inaccurate results if the actual distribution is different, and require repetitive experiments to measure the effect of varying intensity on material breakdown.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that assess the dependence of laser machining on laser light intensity by acquiring machining state and intensity distribution information, allowing for accurate assessment of the breakage threshold based on actual intensity distribution, regardless of its form, using a combination of a light source, machining state acquisition unit, intensity distribution acquisition unit, and assessment unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional experimental methods are used to determine breakage threshold by repeating experiments while changing laser light intensity, then the breakage threshold can be determined, but the measurement process becomes very complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreakage threshold measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/optical experimental measurement system with an information processing system. Instead of physically repeating experiments with microscopes and varying laser intensity, the system uses image processing and data analysis to assess machining state and determine breakage thresholds, thereby simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of the laser machining process by capturing machining state information through imaging and creating intensity distribution maps. This virtual representation allows for analysis and threshold determination without requiring repeated physical experiments, reducing measurement complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If the assumption of Gaussian distribution is made for laser light intensity, then the analysis is simplified, but the reliability of breakage threshold is low when actual intensity distribution is not Gaussian

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis simplicityVSAvoidbreakage threshold reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from assuming a fixed Gaussian distribution parameter to actually measuring and using the real intensity distribution parameters. The system captures the actual intensity distribution of the laser beam and uses this measured data for analysis, allowing the parameters to reflect the true physical state rather than an assumed model

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual machining state is continuously monitored and compared with the intensity distribution. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust and refine the breakage threshold determination based on real observed data, improving reliability by correcting deviations from assumed Gaussian behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If repetitive experiments are conducted to measure breakage threshold, then the threshold value can be obtained, but the measurement time and experimental resources are significantly consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreakage threshold determinationVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary characterization of the laser beam intensity distribution and establishes the relationship between intensity and machining state in advance. Once this baseline data is collected, breakage thresholds can be determined more quickly by comparing new measurements against the pre-established model, reducing the time required for repeated experiments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming repetitive physical experiments with a computational assessment system that uses image processing and data analysis. This substitution dramatically reduces measurement time while maintaining the ability to accurately determine breakage thresholds through virtual rather than physical iteration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enables high-accuracy assessment of laser machining dependence on light intensity, allowing for optimized machining conditions and improved reliability of breakage threshold determination, even when the intensity distribution is non-Gaussian.

Implementation Method 1

a light source for radiating laser light to a workpiece to perform laser machining

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3903988B1Method for assessing dependence of laser machining on laser light intensity, and laser machining device
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 THE UNIV OF TOKYO
  • EP3903988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903988B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3903988B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a technique to assess dependence of laser machining on laser light intensity with high accuracy by a simple method. First, machining state information showing a machining state by laser machining at a machining position on a workpiece is acquired. Before or after that, or at the same time as that, intensity distribution information showing intensity distribution of laser light at the machining position is acquired. Dependence of the laser machining of the workpiece on the laser light intensity is assessed based on the acquired machining state information and intensity distribution information. For example, it is possible to acquire a breakage threshold for a workpiece in laser machining in a highly accurate and simply manner.