Integrated Laser Marking Housing for Flexible Line Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser marking systems are cumbersome, difficult to install, and inflexible due to their bulky design and separate components, which complicates their integration into production lines and increases safety concerns, leading to reluctance among production line owners to replace existing marking systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated laser marking system with a housing that includes a laser source, marking head, extraction device, and controller, connected via an umbilical assembly, which provides a radiation shield with integrated extraction and cooling capabilities, reducing the need for separate components and enhancing flexibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate housings are used for laser source, extraction device, and cooling system, then each component can be independently designed and maintained, but the overall system becomes large, heavy, and difficult to install on production lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser source, extraction device, cooling system, and radiation shielding into a single integrated housing unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate housings and connections, reducing system size and simplifying installation on production lines while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the laser source, provides radiation shielding, contains the extraction device for fume removal, and incorporates cooling systems. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large radiation shielding units are used to envelope production lines, then radiation safety requirements are met, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires customised design for each production line
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding is merged with the housing structure itself rather than being a separate envelope. The housing incorporates radiation-absorbing materials and designed shielding paths that contain radiation within the compact unit, eliminating the need for large external shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful radiation is extracted and contained within the housing through dedicated shielding paths and absorption materials positioned strategically within the compact structure, preventing radiation escape without requiring large external shielding.
3Reliability
If inflexible cables and conduits are used to connect components, then stable connections are maintained, but the system becomes difficult to manoeuvre and reposition on production lines
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all components into a single housing unit, the patent eliminates the need for cables and conduits connecting separate components. The integrated design allows the entire system to be moved as one unit, providing both connection stability and repositioning flexibility.
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 system simplifies installation and operation, reduces complexity, and improves safety by providing a compact, flexible solution that meets radiation safety requirements without the need for customised shielding, making it easier to integrate into production lines.
Implementation Method 1
an extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting matter generated by an interaction between the laser beam and the product
Implementation Method 2
The radiation shield may act to absorb, redirect, or otherwise block laser radiation from reaching a user of the laser marking system
Implementation Method 3
The radiation shield may act to absorb, redirect, or otherwise block laser radiation from reaching a user of the laser marking system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser marking system for marking a product comprising a laser source for providing a laser beam, a marking head for projecting the laser beam on to the product, a housing comprising an extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting matter generated by an interaction between the laser beam and the product, and a controller for controlling the laser source and the marking head. The laser marking system further comprises an umbilical assembly connecting the housing to the marking head.