Laser Power Detection in Welding Optics Without Process Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring laser power in laser welding machines are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring the machine to be stopped and components to be removed for external power metering, which prevents real-time power detection.
Innovation Solution
A laser power detection system that includes a light guide portion, oscillating mirror, and power detection apparatus with a photoelectric conversion component and computing component, allowing real-time laser power detection during operation by guiding a portion of the laser to both the oscillating mirror for welding and the detection apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external power meter is used to measure laser power, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement efficiency deteriorates due to machine stoppage and component removal
Solution Approach 1:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component to separate a portion of the laser beam for power detection while allowing the main beam to continue to the oscillating mirror. This enables simultaneous measurement and welding operations without stopping the machine or removing components, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The power detection apparatus is integrated into the existing optical path of the laser welding machine, allowing the same optical system to serve both welding and power measurement functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate measurement procedures that require machine stoppage
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If QBH connector and oscillating mirror are removed for measurement, then measurement accessibility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that provides access to the laser beam for power measurement without requiring removal of the QBH connector or oscillating mirror. It creates a separate measurement path while maintaining the original welding path intact, simplifying the measurement procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into two separate paths: one for welding (through the oscillating mirror) and one for measurement (to the power detection apparatus). This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently and simultaneously without interfering with each other or requiring component removal
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 simple and efficient real-time measurement of laser power without disrupting the welding process, improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the photoelectric conversion component is configured to detect an electrical signal corresponding to the laser
Data Source
AI summary
Laser emitted by a laser device is guided to an oscillating mirror and a power detection apparatus by a light guide portion. This allows the oscillating mirror to output laser for performing laser welding operations on a welding object. This also allows the power detection apparatus to detect, through a photoelectric conversion component, an electrical signal corresponding to the laser emitted by the laser device, and to determine, through a computing component based on the electrical signal and a preset conversion relationship, a laser power corresponding to the laser emitted by the laser device. The power detection apparatus is disposed on an optical conduction path between the laser device and the oscillating mirror, so that the laser power of the laser device can be detected in real time during the operation of the laser welding machine without removing the QBH connector and the oscillating mirror.