Laser Marking System with Inclined Beam and Conical Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems for creating linear laser markings require additional optical elements, increasing complexity and are limited to creating markings with a beamwidth of 180°, unable to produce markings with smaller or larger beamwidths.
Innovation Solution
Inclining the laser beam's direction of propagation relative to the optical axis of the focusing lens assembly, eliminating the need for a deflecting mirror and allowing adjustable beamwidth by adjusting the angle of the laser beam, and using a beam-splitting lens assembly to reduce the number of optical components and enable markings of varying widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a deflecting mirror is added to offset the laser beam from the cone axis, then the beam can be positioned on the lateral surface of the conical mirror, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the deflecting mirror from the optical path and instead inclines the laser beam source directly at an angle to the optical axis of the focusing lens assembly. This extraction of the unnecessary component simplifies the system while maintaining the ability to position the beam on the lateral surface of the conical mirror through geometric arrangement rather than additional optics.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a deflecting mirror to redirect the beam onto the conical mirror, the invention inverts the approach by directly inclining the laser beam source relative to the optical axis. This reversal of the conventional approach eliminates the need for the deflecting mirror while achieving the same beam positioning effect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser beam is inclined relative to the optical axis, then the beamwidth can be adjusted and markings smaller than 360° can be created, but the conventional coaxial arrangement cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability by allowing the laser beam source to be inclined at variable angles relative to the optical axis of the focusing lens assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables flexible control over the beamwidth and the angular extent of the projected marking, allowing markings from less than 360° down to smaller sectors, while maintaining a relatively simple optical arrangement.
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
Simplifies the laser system by reducing the number of optical components, allows for adjustable beamwidth, and enables the creation of linear laser markings with beamwidths smaller than 360°, improving precision and visibility of markings.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation source is configured as a laser diode that emits a laser beam along a direction of propagation
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam strikes the collimating lens, which then creates a collimated laser beam out of the divergent laser beam
Implementation Method 3
The conical mirror deflects the collimated laser beam and creates a laser beam that propagates in a plane perpendicular to the collimated laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system for creating a linear laser marking, including a radiation source that emits a laser beam and that emits it along a direction of propagation, a focusing lens assembly with an optical axis, and a conical mirror that, at least in certain areas, is configured as a straight cone with a cone axis and a reflecting lateral surface. The conical mirror is arranged in the beam path of the laser beam behind the focusing lens assembly, and the cone axis is oriented parallel to the optical axis of the focusing lens assembly. The direction of propagation of the laser beam is inclined at an angle relative to the optical axis of the focusing lens assembly.