Laser Nozzle Adjustment Collar for Automatic Beam-Gas Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The relative alignment between the laser machining beam and process gas jet axis often becomes misaligned during nozzle changes or over time, affecting the machining precision in laser cutting processes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment collar with piezoelectric actuators is used to align the laser beam and gas jet axes using a sacrificial workpiece and a controller-driven alignment method, enabling precise and automatic re-alignment through capacitance sensing and closed-loop corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used for laser beam and gas jet axes, then operator flexibility is maintained, but alignment precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical measurement system. The laser beam itself is used as the measurement tool to detect the position of the gas jet nozzle, eliminating the need for manual visual or mechanical alignment methods. This substitution of mechanical alignment with optical field-based measurement achieves high precision while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the laser beam to automatically measure and determine the position of the gas jet nozzle without external measurement tools. The laser beam serves dual purposes: both as the processing tool and as the measurement reference, enabling the system to self-align through automated detection and positioning based on the laser's own optical field.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent nozzle changes are performed, then adaptability is improved, but alignment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment measurement and correction before each nozzle change or at predetermined intervals. By proactively detecting and correcting alignment deviations before they affect processing quality, the system maintains stable alignment across multiple nozzle changes without requiring manual realignment for each nozzle replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the relative position between the laser beam and gas jet nozzle using optical detection, and automatically adjusts the nozzle position based on detected deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that alignment stability is maintained even during frequent nozzle changes, as any deviation is immediately detected and corrected.
3Measurement precision
If automated alignment systems are implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser beam serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the processing tool for material work and the measurement reference for alignment detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement instruments, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high precision automated alignment through the laser's dual role.
4Productivity
If manual alignment adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated optical detection and motorized positioning. The system automatically detects alignment deviations using the laser beam and controls the nozzle position through motorized actuators, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 ensures accurate and repeatable alignment of the laser beam and gas jet axes with minimal operator intervention, enhancing machining precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustment collar with piezoelectric actuators is used to align the laser beam and gas jet axes
Implementation Method 2
capacitance sensing and closed-loop corrections
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustment collar for a laser machine tool includes a first actuator between an outer housing and an inner collar, the first actuator operable to move the inner collar with respect to the outer housing in the X-axis and a second actuator between the outer housing and the inner collar, the second actuator operable to move the inner collar with respect to the outer housing in the Y-axis.