Laser Engraving Optical Path Alignment With Visible Beam Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon dioxide laser engraving machines pose safety risks during commissioning due to invisible light emissions, require high professional expertise for debugging, and lack accurate visualization of infrared laser paths, leading to potential injuries and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A laser engraving machine with an adjustment and protection device that utilizes the coaxiality of CO2 laser and visible light beams for visualization and safety, incorporating a beam combining device with a high reflection and transmission lens, and a beam splitting device with a photoelectric receiver to ensure safe operation and precise path alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the top cover protection switch is used to cut off laser power when opened, then safety is improved, but the laser cannot be emitted when debugging is needed
Solution Approach 1:
A photoelectric switch is introduced as an intermediary device between the top cover switch and laser power supply. The photoelectric switch acts as a mediator that can override the top cover switch signal under specific conditions (when the photoelectric receiver detects the visible light beam), allowing the laser to emit during debugging while maintaining normal safety protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the photoelectric receiver that continuously monitors the visible light beam presence. When the visible light beam is detected (indicating debugging mode), the feedback signal enables the laser power supply to ignore the top cover switch signal, creating a conditional safety override mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If the invisible infrared laser is used for engraving, then precision is improved, but visualization of the laser path is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A visible light beam from a separate light source is introduced as a visual mediator that travels along the same optical path as the infrared laser. This visible beam serves as a proxy that reveals the invisible laser path without interfering with the engraving process, allowing operators to see and adjust the laser trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength parameter of the light used for path indication. Instead of relying on the invisible 10.6μm infrared wavelength, a visible wavelength light source is used to trace the same optical path, making the laser trajectory observable while the actual engraving continues with the infrared laser
3Loss of information
If double-sided tape and paper are used for optical path debugging, then the laser path can be visualized, but burnt dust pollutes the reflecting lens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using combustible materials like double-sided tape and paper that leave residue, the system creates a clean optical copy by introducing a visible light beam that follows the same path. This visible beam copy provides the necessary visualization without the harmful byproducts of burning organic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the disposable combustible debugging materials with a reusable visible light source system. The visible light beam can be turned on and off as needed, providing continuous visualization without consumption or pollution, eliminating the need to repeatedly replace debugging materials
4Loss of information
If the red laser indicator is fixed near the engraving head, then the laser path can be indicated, but the indicator position deviates when the work surface deviates from focus
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light beam system is made dynamic by allowing it to be independently adjusted and repositioned. Unlike a fixed red laser indicator, the visible beam can be dynamically aligned with the actual laser path at different focal positions, ensuring continuous accuracy as the work surface moves or refocusing occurs
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 quick and safe adjustment of mirrors, prevents accidental exposure to infrared light, and provides accurate visualization of engraving and cutting paths, enhancing operational safety and precision.
Implementation Method 1
beam combining device with a high reflection and transmission lens
Implementation Method 2
beam combining device with a high reflection and transmission lens
Implementation Method 3
beam splitting device with a photoelectric receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The invention disclose a laser engraving machine with the adjustment and protection device, comprising the laser engraving machine frame, the CO2 laser light source, the Y-axis guide rail, the X-axis guide rail; wherein the Y-axis guide rail and X-axis guide rail are provided fixedly on the laser engraving machine frame, the Y-axis guide rail and X-axis guide rail are provided in the vertical relationship, and the CO2 laser light source is provided fixedly on the frame of the laser engraving machine; further comprising the combined beam and the first reflection combination device, the second reflection combination device, the beam splitting and engraving head assembly, and OR gate device; the combined beam and first reflection combination device is provided fixedly on the frame of the laser engraving machine.