Laser Marking Device Cooling via Inverted Airflow and Segmented Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking device cooling systems are inefficient due to dirty air entering from the front, which affects both the laser generator and electronic components, leading to reduced durability and uneven cooling, and require lens cleaning that disrupts operation.
Innovation Solution
A reverse air flow design where clean air enters through the rear and exits through the front, with a heat exchanger and fans to focus cooling on the laser generator, and a bypass pipe to clean the lens without stopping the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is taken in from the front area of the device, then cooling of components is achieved, but the air contains dust and dirt that reduces device durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional air flow direction by taking air in from the rear area instead of the front area, and expelling it through the front. This reversal allows clean air intake while maintaining cooling effectiveness, as the rear area is identified as a cleaner zone compared to the front area which accumulates dust during operation.
2Temperature
If air passes through the whole interior of the device, then all components are cooled, but dirt affects all systems inside the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device interior into two separate volumes: a first volume containing the laser generator through which air flows, and a second closed volume containing electronic and control devices with no air inlet or outlet. This segmentation isolates the electronic components from dust-laden air flow while the laser generator receives cooling air, allowing differential cooling strategies for different component types.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lens is cleaned by removing it from the device, then the lens is cleaned effectively, but the device stops operation during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass that directs a portion of the air flow through a pipe to the lens area before the main air exit. This preliminary action of directing clean air through the lens area prevents dust accumulation on the lens during operation, eliminating the need for shutdown cleaning and maintaining continuous productivity.
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
Enhances insulation and durability of components, improves cooling efficiency by targeting the highest heat-producing component, and allows for continuous lens cleaning, reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The said exchanger has one face in the closed volume of the electronic systems and another face in the said internal volume through which the air passes. The heat absorbed in the volume of the electronic and control devices is transmitted via the exchanger to its other face so that it is dissipated by the air.
Implementation Method 2
A fan arranged adjacent to the air inlet generates the flow of cooling air.
Implementation Method 3
This air passes through the entire device via the said pipe until it reaches the opening where the laser lens is situated. In this way, the air coming from the rear part of the device also serves to clean the lens in a simple manner, preventing the accumulation of dirt on the lens.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A device 1 for laser marking of products, comprising an outer casing 10 defining at least one internal volume, and in said internal volume 5: at least one laser beam generating source, at least one optical system for outputting the laser beam, electronic and control means 41, 41' of the device, wherein said outer casing 10 additionally comprises at least one air inlet 3, at least one air outlet 2,2', and at least one fan 6 for generating a flow of air for cooling the laser beam generating source and the electronic and control means of the device, said air flowing through the interioir of said outer casing 10 between said air inlet 3 and said air outlet 2,2', and wherein said air inlet 3 is more distant from the opening 11 in the outer casing 10 where is situated said optical system for outputting the laser beam than said at least one air outlet 2, 2' is.