Laser Beam Path Monitoring With Parallel Light Barrier Interruption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for high-power lasers are inadequate in preventing damage to objects and individuals due to slow response times and complex control mechanisms, failing to reliably interrupt the laser beam upon detection of an approaching object.
Innovation Solution
A safety device comprising a light barrier with a light source generating a safety light field parallel to the laser beam, a sensor detecting changes in this field, and an interrupting device that mechanically blocks the laser beam upon object detection, allowing rapid interruption without shutting off the laser source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low-power laser beam is used to monitor the path and reduce power upon object detection, then the laser source can be controlled to reduce damage risk, but the response time is too long allowing objects to reach the beam and be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical control mechanism (modulating laser power) with a mechanical interruption system (beam blocker). When the safety light field is interrupted, a beam blocker mechanically blocks the high-power laser beam path, achieving instantaneous interruption without the delay inherent in power reduction control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions a beam blocker in advance within the laser beam path, ready to interrupt the beam immediately upon detection of an object in the safety light field. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to wait for power reduction to take effect, as the mechanical block is already in place to stop the beam instantly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the laser source power is reduced to prevent damage, then safety is improved, but the laser source requires complex control mechanisms and longer response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety function from the laser source control system itself and places it in a separate, simpler mechanical beam blocking system. The laser source continues operating at full power without complex control, while an independent beam blocker handles the safety interruption function, separating the harmful laser generation from the safety control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electronic power control mechanism with a simple mechanical beam blocking system. Instead of controlling laser power levels through complex electronics and feedback loops, a mechanical beam blocker physically interrupts the beam path, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining safety effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a laser light monitoring sensor with forced switch-off is used, then the laser can be interrupted upon disturbance detection, but the response time is too long and the laser operates with significant delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic switch-off mechanism with a mechanical beam blocking system. The beam blocker provides instantaneous physical interruption of the laser path without the temporal delays associated with electronic switching and laser power modulation, achieving both reliable beam interruption and minimal operational delay.
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 safety device ensures rapid and reliable interruption of the laser beam, minimizing damage risks by shielding the beam almost instantaneously, typically within 10 ms, and adapting to various application conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source device (210) arranged to generate a safety light field (3) extending along a longitudinal axis parallel to the path of the laser beam (1)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor device (220) having at least one sensor element (sensor field) (221) arranged to detect the safety light field (3) and generate a sensor signal (4) that changes when the object (2) at least partially covers the safety light field (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety apparatus (100) for monitoring a light path of a laser beam (1) and for interrupting the laser beam (1) in response to an object (2) approaching the laser beam (1), said apparatus comprising: at least one light barrier device (200) having a light source device (210) arranged to generate a safety light field (3) that extends along at least one longitudinal axis z extending in parallel with the light path of the laser beam (1), and having a sensor device (220) which has at least one sensor element (221) and which is arranged to detect the safety light field (3) and to generate a sensor signal (4) that can be varied by means of at least partial covering of the safety light field (3) by the object (2); and an interruption device (300) which is coupled to the at least one light barrier device (200) and which is arranged to interrupt the laser beam (1) according to a change in the sensor signal (4) of the at least one light barrier device (200). The invention also relates to a laser apparatus which is equipped with the safety apparatus (100), to applications of the safety apparatus (100), and to a method for monitoring a light path of a laser beam (1).