Laser Nozzle Approach Interference Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing devices lack a mechanism to avoid interference between the processing nozzle and the workpiece during approach motion, potentially leading to collisions and damage, as they prioritize high-speed approach over detection and avoidance of obstacles or abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device equipped with a gap sensor and controller that stops the approach motion when the detected distance reaches a predetermined setting value, allowing for gap control and evacuation if an abnormality or obstacle is detected, thereby preventing interference by maintaining the nozzle at a safe position higher than the processing start position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the approach motion velocity is set high to reduce approach time, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with obstacles or workpiece abnormalities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using the gap sensor before the nozzle reaches the workpiece surface. When the sensor detects an obstacle or abnormality at a predetermined distance, the controller preemptively stops the approach motion and initiates evacuation, preventing collision before it occurs. This preliminary action allows high approach speeds while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap sensor continuously provides feedback about the distance between the nozzle and workpiece surface during approach motion. The controller uses this real-time feedback to monitor for obstacles and abnormalities, dynamically adjusting the approach motion based on sensor readings to prevent collisions while maintaining efficient speeds.
2Productivity
If the gain for gap control is kept high during approach motion to maintain speed, then productivity is improved, but the ability to decelerate for obstacle avoidance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a predetermined safe distance threshold before collision can occur. The controller is programmed to automatically reduce gain and decelerate when the gap sensor detects distances approaching this threshold or when obstacles are detected, ensuring safe deceleration capability is always available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control gain is made dynamic rather than fixed. During normal approach motion, high gain maintains speed, but the controller automatically reduces gain when the gap sensor detects potential obstacles or when approaching the predetermined safe distance, enabling smooth transition from high-speed approach to controlled deceleration for safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing device having a function for avoiding interference during an approach motion of a processing nozzle of the laser processing device. When a distance between a processing nozzle and a workpiece is equal to a setting value where gap control can be started, it is judged as to whether or not the mechanical position of the processing nozzle is above a predetermined processing start position. When the mechanical position of the processing nozzle is higher than the processing start position, a controller judges that an abnormality occurs by which laser processing cannot be carried out, and automatically stops the approach motion of the processing nozzle.