Laser Marking Safety Seal Assembly for Compact Class 1 Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser marking systems face challenges in ensuring accurate positioning and integrity of parts, preventing stray laser radiation, and maintaining safety standards in a minimal footprint, often resulting in complex, costly, and unreliable devices.
Innovation Solution
A novel laser marking device that uses a combination of sensing devices and a snorkel-like safety seal assembly to create a confined marking chamber, utilizing a portion of the part as the enclosure, ensuring proper positioning and preventing stray radiation, while meeting Class 1 laser safety standards in a compact and cost-effective manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional guarding and part fixturing are used to meet Class 1 laser safety standards, then laser safety is improved, but device complexity and footprint area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety seal assembly with the marking chamber enclosure, integrating multiple functions into a single component structure. The safety seal serves both as a sealing mechanism and as part of the light-containment enclosure, eliminating the need for separate guarding structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining Class 1 safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The safety seal assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the marking chamber to contain laser light, provides structural support for the enclosure, and acts as part of the light-tight barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system design
2Reliability
If extensive guarding and part fixturing are used to meet Class 1 laser safety standards, then laser safety is improved, but footprint area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety seal assembly is integrated with the marking chamber enclosure, combining safety functionality with the existing structural components. This integration eliminates the need for additional external guarding structures that would increase footprint area, achieving Class 1 safety within the existing device boundary
3Device complexity
If only 2 sensors are used to detect the item, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of part verification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light sensor as an intermediary detection mechanism that monitors laser light containment within the marking chamber. This additional sensor provides critical verification of proper part positioning and seal integrity, enhancing reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
4Reliability
If hand held devices with protective eyewear and shielding are used, then laser safety is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety seal assembly automatically contains laser light within the marking chamber through its sealing mechanism, creating a self-contained Class 1 environment. This eliminates the need for operators to wear protective eyewear or manually position external shielding, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining laser safety
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 device ensures accurate marking, prevents damage to unintended surfaces, and reduces the need for extensive guarding, making it reliable, efficient, and easy to integrate into existing automation systems, while maintaining a minimal footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum assembly to create a vacuum in the vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a laser marking device, system and method for its use.