Laser Diode Power Stepping for Overheating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser devices lack a simplified control mechanism to prevent inadmissible heating, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage from excessive operating power.
Innovation Solution
A laser device with a temperature sensor and controller that reduces operating power in steps or according to a predefined function when internal temperature exceeds a threshold, with periodic comparisons to adjust power levels based on temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operating power of the laser diode is maintained at high levels to ensure productivity, then the laser device can operate continuously, but the internal temperature increases leading to inadmissible heating
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic temperature measurements at defined time intervals and alternates between different operating states (full power, reduced power, standby) based on temperature threshold comparisons. This periodic control enables continuous operation while preventing overheating by cycling through power levels.
2Temperature
If the operating power is reduced to prevent overheating, then the temperature is controlled, but the productivity and output of the laser device decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the operating power of the laser diode based on real-time temperature conditions. The system transitions between multiple discrete power states (full operating power, first reduced power, second reduced power, standby) according to temperature threshold comparisons, optimizing both thermal management and productivity.
3Temperature
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented to prevent overheating, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit segments the temperature control process into discrete measurement intervals and predefined power states. By measuring temperature at specific time intervals and comparing against threshold values, the system achieves precise temperature control through a simplified state-machine approach rather than continuous complex regulation.
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
Effectively maintains optimal laser operation by preventing overheating through adaptive power adjustments, ensuring safe and efficient performance.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature Ti associated with the laser device, such as an internal temperature of the laser device
Implementation Method 2
at least one laser diode for emitting a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
the laser diode controller is configured to operate the at least one laser diode with an operating power Pb and to reduce the operating power Pb of the laser diode to a reduced operating power Pred
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser device (10) and a method for controlling such a device. The laser device (10) comprises at least one laser diode (14) for emitting a laser beam (16, 20), a laser diode controller (24) for controlling at least the operation of the laser diode (14), a temperature sensor (32) for detecting a temperature Ti associated with the laser device (10), such as the internal temperature of the laser leveling tool, wherein the laser diode controller (24) is configured to operate the at least one laser diode (14) with an operating power Pb and to reduce the operating power Pb of the laser diode (14) to a reduced operating power Pred when the detected temperature Ti reaches a temperature threshold value Ts. In order to operate the at least one laser diode at an optimal operating point that does not lead to inadmissible heating, it is provided that the laser diode control (24) is configured such that after reducing the operating power Pb, the temperature Ti is compared with the temperature threshold value Ts at time intervals Δt and the reduced operating power Pred of the laser diode (14) is further reduced if the temperature Ti is greater than the temperature threshold value Ts after the comparison is made.