Laser Machining Optics With Zoom Lens Focal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting the focal position and diameter of a laser beam during material machining, particularly when switching between thin and thick sheet metal, due to the need for multiple optical elements that increase mechanical complexity and thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging optics system with a zoom configuration using a first movable lens group with positive focal length and a second movable lens group with negative focal length, allowing independent adjustment of the focal position and diameter through actuating drives, minimizing the number of optical elements and structural length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to adjust focal position and diameter, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity and thermal sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of focal diameter adjustment and focal position compensation into a single movable lens group. By integrating both adjustment capabilities into one component rather than using separate lens groups for each function, the system reduces the total number of optical elements while maintaining full adjustment capability for both focal position and focal diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable lens group serves multiple functions: it adjusts the focal diameter through its own movement and simultaneously compensates for focal position changes that occur during this adjustment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated compensation mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to adjust focal position and diameter, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the thermal effects and mechanical effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the compensation function into the same movable lens group that performs focal diameter adjustment, the system minimizes the number of optical elements exposed to thermal conditions. Fewer optical elements mean fewer sources of thermal focal point shift and reduced cumulative thermal effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the compensation function from separate optical elements and integrates it into the focal diameter adjustment mechanism itself. This eliminates the need for additional optical elements that would be susceptible to thermal effects, thereby reducing thermal sensitivity while maintaining adjustment capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focal diameter is adjusted by moving lens groups, then the focal diameter varies, but the focal position shifts requiring additional compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focal position compensation function directly into the movable lens group used for focal diameter adjustment. As the lens group moves to change focal diameter, its movement inherently compensates for focal position shifts, eliminating the need for separate compensation mechanisms and maintaining focal position stability throughout the adjustment range
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
Enables flexible and efficient adjustment of the focal position and diameter with reduced mechanical complexity and thermal sensitivity, maintaining productivity by allowing seamless transitions between different machining tasks without the need for extensive mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the collimating optics comprise a first movable lens or lens group with positive focal length for focusing a working laser beam source in a virtual intermediate focal point
Implementation Method 2
a second movable lens or lens group with negative focal length for focusing the virtual intermediate focal point to infinity
Implementation Method 3
focusing optics for focusing the working laser beam on a workpiece to be machined
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to imaging optics (20) for material machining by means of laser irradiation, with said focusing optics comprising collimator optics (21) for collimating the divergent working laser beam (121) and focusing optics (22) for focusing the working laser beam (12) on a workpiece (14) to be machined, wherein the collimating optics (21) comprise a first lens or lens group (211) with positive focal length for focusing a working laser beam source (18) in a virtual intermediate focal point and a second movable lens or lens group (212) with negative focal length for focusing the virtual intermediate focal point to infinity. The invention furthermore proposes a laser machining head (1) with a housing (10), through which a working laser beam (12) can be guided. The inventive imaging optics (20) serve for generating a working focal point (15).