Laser Machining Head Rigid Mounting for 3D Workpiece Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser machining machines face challenges in accurately processing heavy and complex 3D workpieces due to flexibility issues and limited scanning amplitude, which leads to inaccuracies and deformation during machining.

Innovation Solution

A machine architecture with at least three orthogonal linear axes and two mutually perpendicular rotary axes, where the laser machining head is rigidly attached to the frame, allowing it to rotate about a horizontal axis while the workpiece rotates about a vertical axis, along with a novel suction and blowing nozzle system to maintain stability and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional five-axis machine with a movable cradle is used to machine heavy workpieces, then the machine can accommodate 3D workpieces, but the cradle flexibility causes positioning inaccuracies and deformation under heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to machine 3D workpiecesVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the workpiece on a flexible cradle, the patent inverts the approach by making the laser head movable and keeping the workpiece stationary on a rigid base. This eliminates cradle flexibility issues while maintaining the ability to machine 3D surfaces through laser head rotation and translation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the machining system into a stationary rigid base for workpiece support and a movable laser head assembly. This separation allows the rigid base to provide stable positioning while the segmented laser head components (mirrors, optics) provide the necessary motion and flexibility for 3D machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the laser head rotates about a horizontal axis to expand scanning amplitude, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the optical axis stability deteriorates due to flexure and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning amplitudeVSAvoidoptical axis stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing differential support: the laser head housing is rigidly supported at the rotation axis to maintain optical axis stability, while allowing rotation about the horizontal axis. The optical components are locally reinforced and precisely positioned to maintain alignment during rotation, ensuring stable optical performance despite the rotational motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid structure is used to maintain optical axis stability, then the positioning precision is improved, but the scanning amplitude is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidscanning amplitude

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines rigid and dynamic elements: the laser head housing is rigidly supported to maintain optical axis stability, but the housing itself is designed to rotate dynamically about a horizontal axis. This dynamic capability, controlled by a rotation drive, expands the scanning amplitude while the rigid support structure maintains positioning precision during the rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration ensures high accuracy and stability by minimizing flexure and deformation, enabling effective machining of heavy and complex workpieces with precise positioning and orientation of the laser head and workpiece, while maintaining the stability of the optical axis.

Implementation Method 1

The process, consisting in evaporating material from the surface of a workpiece by means of a focused laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating and evaporation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

Material is removed by sudden heating of the area illuminated by the beam, causing a parcel of material to evaporate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMaterial evaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a suction nozzle, for sucking out the polluted gases and dust generated in the machining area by the evaporation of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS8941027B2Laser machining machine

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 AGIE CHARMILLES SA

AI summary

A machine for machining workpieces by a laser beam. The optical fiber terminates at an optical output head (27) that defines the optical axis of the laser light beam, which vaporizes the material. The optical output head (27) is rigidly attached to the frame (49) or to the casing of the laser head so that said optical output head remains integrally fastened to said frame or casing during the rotation of the laser head about the horizontal pivot axis (B). The polluted gases generated in the machining area by the evaporation of material are collected by a suction nozzle (37) which is driven with the laser machining head during its rotation about the horizontal axis (B). A stream of clean dry gas is injected into the machining area by an injection nozzle (35) which is also driven with the laser machining head (8) during its rotation about the horizontal axis (B).