Laser Marking Enclosure With Rotatable Gates for Continuous Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking technologies require multiple process stages to ensure safety, which can disrupt the continuous marking process when multiple parts need to be marked.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor-based laser marking arrangement that includes a safety enclosure made of non-transparent solid material and rotatable gates to trap reflected laser beams, allowing continuous marking without stopping the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety enclosure is used to trap laser beams, then safety is improved, but the marking process must be interrupted when parts pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between blocking and allowing passage. The gate rotates to block the laser beam during marking and then rotates again to allow the next part to pass through, enabling continuous operation while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable gate enables continuous marking by allowing parts to pass through the safety enclosure without interrupting the laser marking process. While one part is being marked, the gate can rotate to allow the next part to enter, maintaining continuous productive action
2Reliability
If multiple process stages are used to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety enclosure and the part passage system are merged into a single integrated structure. The rotatable gate is incorporated directly into the safety enclosure, combining the safety function with the part handling function into one unified device rather than separate process stages
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable gate serves multiple functions: it blocks the laser beam during marking, allows parts to pass through when rotated, and maintains the safety enclosure structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety mechanisms and process stages
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 solution enables continuous laser marking of multiple parts without interrupting the process, ensuring safety by effectively trapping reflected laser beams and allowing unobstructed passage of parts through rotatable gates.
Implementation Method 1
The safety enclosure comprises solid material that is non-transparent to the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
configured to prevent the laser beam to travel out from the open path
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement comprises a conveyor arrangement for conveying the part along a predetermined route. The arrangement comprises at least one laser marking apparatus for marking the part with the laser beam, wherein the laser marking apparatus is configured to mark the part in a marking area locating in the predetermined route. The arrangement comprises a safety enclosure for trapping the laser beam reflecting out from the safety enclosure, wherein the safety enclosure comprising solid material that is non-transparent to the laser beam surrounds at least the marking area and forms an open path along the predetermined route. The arrangement comprises at least one rotatable gate arranged into the open path and configured to prevent the laser beam to travel out from the open path when the part is being marked and simultaneously configured to rotate thereby allowing another part to pass through said at least one rotatable gate.