Laser Marking Projection Recess Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of optical axis alignment in conventional laser processing apparatuses is compromised due to repeated attachment and detachment of the laser radiation unit, leading to wear and reduced precision.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing apparatus design featuring a projection and recess system that guides the connection of the laser emission and radiation units along the optical axis, preventing wear and ensuring accurate alignment, along with a position determining mechanism to maintain precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the position determining pin is inserted and fitted into the position determining hole for alignment, then the positional accuracy of the laser emission unit and laser radiation unit is improved, but the position determining pin is scraped and worn out due to repeated attachment and detachment operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoiddurability of position determining pin

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the pin actively seek and fit into the hole (which causes scraping), the invention inverts the approach by having the hole actively receive and guide the pin through a tapered structure. The position determining hole is formed with a tapered portion that guides the position determining pin from the outside, reversing the traditional fitting direction and eliminating the scraping problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The position determining hole is pre-formed with a tapered portion that performs the alignment action before the pin is fully inserted. The tapered structure creates a guiding path that automatically aligns the pin with the hole, performing the positioning function in advance and preventing repeated scraping during insertion attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the position determining hole is groped before insertion, then the position determining pin can be inserted, but repeated operations cause the pin to be scraped and reduce alignment accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention reverses the traditional fitting sequence by having the tapered hole guide the pin from the outside rather than having the pin search for and fit into a cylindrical hole. This inversion eliminates the groping motion that causes scraping while maintaining ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered portion of the position determining hole acts as an intermediary element between the pin and the final fitted position. It provides a gradual guiding path that facilitates easy insertion while precisely controlling the alignment, mediating between the ease of operation and the precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the laser radiation unit is repeatedly attached to and removed from the laser emission unit, then flexibility and ease of exchange are improved, but the position determining pin is worn out and accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of exchangeVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the fitting approach with a tapered hole that guides the pin from the outside, the invention enables repeated attachment and detachment operations without wearing out the pin. The tapered structure provides a self-aligning mechanism that maintains precision even after multiple exchanges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered portion of the position determining hole provides beforehand cushioning by creating a gradual guiding path that prevents impact and friction during insertion. This protective structure cushions the pin from scraping forces, allowing repeated operations without accuracy degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2623249B1Laser processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.03.29 PANASONIC INDUSTRIAL DEVICES SUNX CO LTD

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AI summary

A laser marking apparatus is provided with a laser emission unit (13) that emits laser beam and a laser radiation unit (14) that is detachably connected to the laser emission unit (13). The laser radiation unit (14) radiates the laser beam emitted from the laser emission unit (13) toward an object to be processed. A projection (44), which projects rearward, is formed on a part of the laser radiation unit (14) that is connected with the laser emission unit (13). A recess (28) is provided in a part of the laser emission unit (13) that is connected with the laser radiation unit (14). The projection (44) can fit into the recess (28). The recess (28) is opened forward, backward, to lateral sides, and downward.