Movable Laser Marking Shield for Large Workpiece Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser marking apparatuses face limitations in protecting operators from direct laser light while allowing access to large or heavy workpieces, as traditional shielding booths restrict the size of workpieces and require dedicated, unusable space or cumbersome access controls.
Innovation Solution
A laser marking apparatus with a movable protective shield that fully encircles the working area, featuring vertically sliding and extendable panels, including a separately movable front panel and telescopic mechanisms, allowing for flexible access and operation without dedicating an entire area to protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional shielding booth is used to protect operators from laser light, then operator safety is improved, but the size of workpieces that can be accessed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The protection shield is designed with movable panels that can change position between a lowered state during operation and an raised state for workpiece access. This dynamic configuration allows the shield to provide full protection during laser marking while enabling access for large workpieces when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection shield is divided into multiple independent panels (front panel, side panels, rear panel) that can move independently. This segmentation allows selective positioning of each panel to accommodate different workpiece sizes and access requirements while maintaining protection when closed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielding booth with controlled access is used, then operator protection is improved, but the working area must be dedicated and unusable during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The protection shield transitions from a static enclosed booth to a dynamic barrier that can be raised or lowered. When lowered, it provides protection without occupying the working area above the working deck, allowing operators to freely access the workspace when protection is not needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If access controls are implemented to prevent operator exposure, then safety is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the physical position of the movable panels as the primary safety mechanism rather than complex electronic access controls. The laser source is enabled only when panels are in the lowered protective position, creating a simple mechanical-interlock-based safety system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If vertically accessible compartments are used for workpiece introduction, then protection is improved, but access for heavy parts requiring forklift or crane is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The side and rear panels can be raised to create lateral and overhead access paths, enabling forklifts and cranes to deliver heavy workpieces to the working deck without requiring vertical compartment access.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection shield is in extended position, then protection is improved, but the working area above the deck becomes unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The protection shield panels are positioned below the working deck surface when not in use, keeping the working area above the deck fully accessible. The panels extend upward only when needed to provide protection during laser operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
It is disclosed a laser marking apparatus provided with a protection shield, comprising a support frame (T) of a working deck (2) and wherein, around said working deck, a protection shield is arranged which fully encircles the working area of said laser marking head (4) and provided with at least partly perimetrally upright arranged panels with respect to said working deck, wherein said panels (P1-P8) are mounted movable from a lower position, wherein said shield encircles said support frame (T) up to a height completely below or flush with the upper surface of said working deck (2), to an upper extended position wherein said shield encircles the area above said working deck (2) up to a working height of said laser marking head (4).