Laser Plotter Focusing Unit Detection for Lens and Nozzle Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser plotter systems face challenges in quickly and easily replacing lenses and nozzles, often requiring manual selection and adjustment in software, which can lead to errors, and involve complex designs with additional components for detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting lenses and nozzles on a focusing unit using a camera to capture high-quality images of optical features, allowing automatic identification and adjustment of parameters, with QR codes or Data Matrix codes for easy detection and storage of lens and nozzle information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a barcode reader is provided in the processing chamber to scan barcodes on the laser head, then lens and nozzle identification is enabled, but a special position outside the processing table must be moved to for detection, increasing device complexity and operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from a separate barcode reader positioned outside the processing table and integrated directly into the camera system within the processing chamber. This allows the camera to capture images of codes on lenses and nozzles during normal positioning operations, eliminating the need for special detection positions and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves dual purposes: it captures images of workpieces for processing and simultaneously detects codes on lenses and nozzles for identification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection hardware and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining accurate identification.
2Extent of automation
If an image recording element is arranged inside the laser head for recording nozzle codes, then automatic nozzle detection is enabled, but the laser head design becomes very complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The camera positioned in the processing chamber performs both workpiece imaging and nozzle/lens code detection. By making the camera multi-functional rather than adding a separate image recording element to the laser head, the design complexity and cost are avoided while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary detection device positioned in the processing chamber that can capture codes on lenses and nozzles without requiring physical integration into the laser head. This intermediary approach enables automatic detection while keeping the laser head design simple.
3Reliability
If the lens is located inside the laser head housing, then the lens is protected, but it cannot be replaced quickly and easily
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented from the main laser head housing and mounted on a removable lens holder that can be quickly detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the lens to be protected during operation while enabling rapid replacement by simply removing the lens holder assembly without disassembling the entire laser head.
4Ease of operation
If manual lens selection in software is required upon lens replacement, then lens parameters can be adjusted, but incorrect values may be entered or the user may forget to adjust parameters, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the lens code via camera imaging and retrieving the corresponding lens parameters from a database. This eliminates the need for manual parameter entry, preventing incorrect values and ensuring accurate settings are automatically applied when a lens is replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by capturing the lens code, automatically querying the database for matching parameters, and confirming the correct lens is installed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures parameter accuracy without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving reliability during lens replacement operations.
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, accurate, and user-friendly detection and adjustment of lenses and nozzles, reducing manual errors and simplifying the replacement process while ensuring precise machining settings.
Implementation Method 1
an image of the focusing unit is recorded via a camera
Implementation Method 2
an image of the focusing unit is recorded via a camera
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser plotter, a lens holder, a nozzle holder and a method for detecting a lens and/or nozzle on a focusing unit of a laser plotter for cutting, engraving, marking and/or labeling a workpiece. At least one irradiation source in the form of a laser is used in a housing of the laser plotter. When the irradiation source is activated, a laser beam is directed via deflection elements to a focusing unit, and a processing table or processing chamber is captured via at least one camera. For detection of the lens and/or nozzle, the focusing unit is moved to a defined position at which the lens and/or nozzle is clearly visible to the camera, whereupon an image of the focusing unit is recorded via the camera and the lens and/or nozzle is detected in the image via an analysis tool.