Laser Processing Apparatus with Alternating Focusing Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining efficient operation when one of the two laser oscillating means becomes abnormal, as the increased movement requirements for the workpiece and laser applying position lead to apparatus size increases or operation halts.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a configuration with alternately arranged first and second focusing lenses, allowing for reduced movement of the holding table and laser applying means in the indexing direction, enabling continuous processing even if one laser oscillating means fails, by branching laser beams into multiple optical paths and focusing them alternately using first and second focusing lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two laser oscillating means are used and laser beams are branched into plural optical paths, then laser processing efficiency is improved by processing multiple work lines simultaneously, but the apparatus size increases when one laser oscillating means becomes abnormal to ensure the amount of movement covers the entire workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that detects the operational status of laser oscillating means and automatically adjusts the optical path configuration. When one laser oscillating means becomes abnormal, the system dynamically reconfigures the optical paths to route all work lines through the remaining functional laser oscillating means, thereby adapting the apparatus configuration in real-time without requiring physical expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical path branching system with universal functionality where each laser oscillating means can serve multiple work lines. The optical paths are configured such that any single laser oscillating means is capable of processing all work lines by itself, making the system multi-functional and resilient to component failures without increasing apparatus size
2Reliability
If the amount of movement of the laser applying position is increased to cover all work lines when one laser oscillating means fails, then laser processing can continue on the whole workpiece, but the operation must be stopped if the apparatus size cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic optical path switching mechanism that automatically detects when a laser oscillating means becomes abnormal and reconfigures the optical paths in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain continuous operation without manual intervention or apparatus expansion, as the optical switching system seamlessly redirects laser beams to cover all work lines using the remaining functional laser oscillating means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates redundant optical path configurations where the optical system is designed to replicate the full coverage capability across different laser oscillating means. The optical paths are arranged so that the functional laser oscillating means can effectively 'copy' or replicate the processing coverage that would normally be provided by multiple simultaneous laser sources, maintaining operational continuity without physical expansion
3Reliability
If the apparatus size is increased to ensure sufficient movement range for the holding table, then laser processing can be performed on the whole workpiece even if one laser oscillating means becomes abnormal, but the apparatus complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optical path configuration system that adjusts the laser beam routing based on the operational status of laser oscillating means. Instead of designing for maximum static coverage, the system dynamically reconfigures optical paths to achieve full workpiece coverage using available functional components, thereby maintaining processing reliability without increasing apparatus complexity or requiring oversized movement ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the optical system by adjusting the optical path configuration rather than the physical dimensions of the apparatus. When one laser oscillating means fails, the system modifies the optical path parameters to redirect laser beams through alternative routes, achieving full coverage through parameter adjustment rather than physical expansion, thus avoiding increased apparatus complexity
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
This configuration allows for reduced apparatus size and uninterrupted laser processing on the whole workpiece, even if one laser oscillating means becomes abnormal, by optimizing the movement requirements and focusing lens arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam oscillated by each of the first and second laser oscillating means is branched into three laser beams respectively, and the three laser beams are focused by the first focusing means and the second focusing means toward the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
first focusing means and second focusing means alternately arranged in the indexing direction above the holding table
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing apparatus including a laser applying unit. The laser applying unit includes a first laser oscillating unit, a second laser oscillating unit, a first laser branching unit for branching a laser beam oscillated from the first laser oscillating unit into three optical paths, a second laser branching unit for branching a laser beam oscillated from the second laser oscillating unit into three optical paths, three first focusing units for respectively focusing the laser beams through the three optical paths obtained by the first laser branching unit toward a glass substrate, and three second focusing units for respectively focusing the laser beams through the three optical paths obtained by the second laser branching unit. The first focusing units and the second focusing units are alternately arranged in a line in an indexing direction.