Laser Optics State Detection Using Pierced-Hole Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing machines cannot effectively detect the state of optical components during sheet metal processing, leading to poor cutting conditions due to dirty or deteriorated lenses, which affects the transmittance and reflectance of the laser beam.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing machine equipped with a beam irradiation unit that converts divergent light to collimated light and condenses it to inspect optical components by piercing a hole in the sheet metal and using the pierced hole as inspection light to detect the intensity of reflected light, comparing it with a threshold to determine the deterioration of the optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate detection process is provided to detect optical component state, then detection capability is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical component detection function with the existing sheet metal processing process. The laser beam used for cutting sheet metal is also used to inspect the optical component by piercing a hole and detecting reflected light from the pierced hole. This integration eliminates the need for a separate detection process and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If optical components are inspected separately from processing, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous detection of optical component state during the sheet metal processing operation. The laser beam continuously processes the sheet metal and simultaneously inspects the optical component by detecting reflected light from the pierced hole. This continuous dual-function operation maintains high detection accuracy while maximizing productivity without interruption.
3Productivity
If the laser beam is used for both processing and inspection, then resource utilization is improved, but detection reliability may worsen due to processing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam application into distinct functional zones: one for processing the sheet metal and another for inspecting the optical component through the pierced hole. By spatially separating these functions and using the pierced hole as a dedicated inspection aperture, the system eliminates interference between processing and detection, ensuring reliable optical component state measurement while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
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 the detection of optical component deterioration during sheet metal processing without interrupting the cutting process, allowing for timely notification and maintenance, thereby ensuring consistent cutting quality.
Implementation Method 1
detecting intensity of reflected light reflected by an inspected optical component
Implementation Method 2
convert a laser beam, which is divergent light, to collimated light
Implementation Method 3
condense the light to irradiate a sheet metal
Implementation Method 4
a pierced hole is formed, by piercing, for cutting the sheet metal
Data Source
AI summary
A beam irradiation unit (a collimator unit, a processing head, and a nozzle) includes a plurality of optical components, and is configured to convert a laser beam, which is divergent light, to collimated light and then to condense the light to irradiate a sheet metal. A photodetection element (a photodiode) detects intensity of reflected light reflected by an inspected optical component that is one of the plurality of optical components. A control device (an NC device) controls irradiation of a pierced hole with the laser beam as inspection light, subsequently to piercing the portion of the sheet metal to be cut to manufacture a product, and compares, with a threshold, the intensity of the reflected light detected by the photodetection element during the irradiation with the inspection light, to detect whether the inspected optical component is deteriorated, or a degree of the deterioration.