Laser Optical Path Sealing for Dust-Free Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser working machines fail to effectively prevent dust from entering the transmission optical paths between the machining head and both the laser oscillator and the torch, which can lead to contamination and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

The laser working machine incorporates a design with interchangeable shielding plates and light transmissive plates in the machining head's slots, maintaining a pressurized gas environment to prevent dust ingress, and includes a method for cleaning the shielded space during maintenance by using ventilating and discharge ducts to manage gas and impurities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single shielding plate is used to protect the optical path between the machining head and the laser oscillator, then dust entry into that specific path is prevented, but dust can still enter the optical path between the machining head and the torch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust prevention in optical pathVSAvoiddust contamination in other optical paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path protection is segmented into multiple independent shielding plates: a first shielding plate for the optical path between the machining head and the laser oscillator, and a second shielding plate for the optical path between the machining head and the torch. Each shielding plate independently protects its respective optical path, ensuring comprehensive dust prevention across all optical paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If shielding plates are installed in all slots to prevent dust entry, then dust protection is improved, but maintenance and cleaning operations become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust preventionVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding plates are designed to be selectively installable and removable from the slots. During normal operation, shielding plates are installed to prevent dust entry. During maintenance, the shielding plates can be removed to provide access for cleaning and servicing. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between protection mode and maintenance mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding plates are pre-positioned in the slots during assembly, providing immediate dust protection. The design anticipates future maintenance needs by making the shielding plates removable, so that when maintenance is required, the plates can be taken off without modifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration effectively prevents dust from entering the optical paths, ensuring the machine's reliability and ease of maintenance by maintaining a clean environment within the optical paths and facilitating efficient replacement of components.

Implementation Method 1

maintaining a pressurized gas environment to prevent dust ingress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurisation: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

using ventilating and discharge ducts to manage gas and impurities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3964325B1Laser machine and maintenance method for laser machine
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK
  • EP3964325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3964325B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3964325B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laser working machine includes a first slot provided at another end portion of a first body. In the first slot, a first shielding plate and a first light transmissive plate are selectively insertable in a sealed manner. The first shielding plate is for shielding a first optical path. The first light transmissive plate has a first optical path hole through which the first optical path and a second optical path are connectable to each other. The laser working machine includes a second slot provided at a second body end portion of a second body. In the second slot, a second shielding plate and a second light transmissive plate are selectively insertable in a sealed manner. The second shielding plate is for shielding the second optical path. The second light transmissive plate has a second optical path hole through which the first optical path and the second optical path are connectable to each other.