Laser Processing Head Lens Interchange System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing heads require complex and space-consuming interchange mechanisms to switch between different laser beam diameters, which complicates the structure and increases the risk of damaging lenses during changes.
Innovation Solution
A compact laser processing head with a lens interchange system featuring two lenses of different focal lengths, where the lenses are attached to a swivelable frame with a common axis of rotation perpendicular to the laser beam axis, allowing for quick and precise switching without opening the beam path, using a motor-actuated frame to adjust the focal diameter for various processing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex interchange mechanism is used to switch between different lenses, then lens interchange capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic swivelable frame that can rotate between two positions to alternatively place different lenses in the beam path. This dynamic mechanism replaces complex interchange systems with a simple rotational movement, achieving lens switching capability while minimizing structural complexity and installation space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interchange mechanisms are used, then lens switching is possible, but the risk of damaging lenses during changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment by ensuring that the optical axes of both lenses cross at a precise crossing point before lens interchange. The swivelable frame is designed with predetermined geometric relationships, so that when the frame rotates to switch lenses, the new lens is already positioned correctly in the beam path, eliminating the need for readjustment and preventing damage during the switching process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are positioned with different optical axes, then different beam diameters can be achieved, but lateral offset occurs after lens interchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the two lenses relative to the axis of rotation, with each lens having a different distance from the rotation axis. This asymmetric arrangement allows each lens to have a different optical axis and produce different beam diameters, while the controlled rotation ensures that when one lens is swapped for the other, the optical axes remain properly aligned without lateral offset.
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
The design ensures a structurally simple, compact, and lightweight configuration that allows for rapid lens interchange (within 1 second) without readjusting lens positions, maintaining processing quality and avoiding damage to lenses, while accommodating different workpiece materials and processing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam emerging in a substantially divergent manner from an end of the optical fiber is usually collimated first by way of a collimating lens (or lens group)
Implementation Method 2
The collimated laser beam is subsequently focused onto the workpiece to be processed by a convex lens (or lens group)
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing head, by means of which lenses in the beam path of the laser beam may be interchanged for the purposes of changing the beam diameter at the workpiece, wherein the laser processing head may have a structurally simple and compact embodiment.