Laser Processing Device Connecting Unit for Sealing Hood Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing devices require separate safety switches and complex electrical connections for different sealing hoods, leading to increased costs and handling complexities when switching between them.
Innovation Solution
The safety switch device and part of the gas discharge system are integrated into a connecting unit between the sealing hood and the device head, allowing for simple, tool-free attachment and detachment of sealing hoods with latching connections, and a flexible gas routing system that prevents contamination and adjusts focal length without altering the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate safety switches and electrical connections are provided for each sealing hood, then safety and functionality are ensured, but device complexity and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit is designed as a universal interface that integrates the safety switch device and gas discharge system, allowing a single standardized connection to serve multiple sealing hoods. This eliminates the need for separate electrical connections for each sealing hood while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety switch device and gas discharge system are merged into the connecting unit, which is then integrated with the device head. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and electrical connections required, simplifying the overall system while maintaining all necessary safety functions.
2Reliability
If separate safety switches are required on each sealing hood, then safety is ensured, but manufacturing costs and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit serves as a universal platform that houses the safety switch device and gas discharge system, allowing a single standardized component to support multiple sealing hoods. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce separate safety switches for each sealing hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety switch device is extracted from the sealing hood and relocated to the connecting unit. This separation allows the safety functionality to be standardized in the connecting unit, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining safety requirements.
3Reliability
If sealing hoods are designed with integrated safety switches, then safety is ensured, but structural complexity of the sealing hood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch device is extracted from the sealing hood structure and relocated to the connecting unit. This allows the sealing hood to maintain a simple, dedicated sealing function without the added structural complexity of integrated safety switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the sealing hood for sealing, the connecting unit for safety and gas management, and the device head for laser processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without unnecessary complexity.
4Reliability
If electrical connections are required when changing sealing hoods, then safety function is maintained, but handling time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch device and gas discharge system are merged into the connecting unit, which remains permanently attached to the device head. This allows sealing hoods to be changed by simply detaching and reattaching to the connecting unit without requiring electrical connection changes, significantly reducing handling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit serves as a universal interface that maintains electrical connections and safety functions independently of the sealing hood being used. This allows rapid exchange of sealing hoods without interrupting electrical connections or safety system configuration.
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 design simplifies handling and reduces costs by eliminating the need for separate safety switches and electrical connections, ensuring secure sealing and efficient gas management across different sealing hoods, while allowing for adjustable focal lengths and improved accessibility of workpiece surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the two sections (11, 12) and the flexible element (17) form a single connecting body... the flexible element (17), which advantageously seals the inner space adjoining the inner space of the sealing hood radially with respect to the central beam axis
Implementation Method 2
A laser processing device for processing workpiece surfaces... An optical system for focusing a laser beam on the workpiece surface
Implementation Method 3
An optical system for focusing a laser beam on the workpiece surface and for two-dimensional pivoting of the laser beam
Implementation Method 4
The interior of the bell is advantageously flushed with gas, which can also be ambient air, by means of a gas discharge device, in order to discharge the exhaust gases and particles mentioned harmlessly for the user
Implementation Method 5
The connection between the sealing hood and the connection unit can contain, in particular, latching connections with latching elements and depressions or projections that engage in one another in a latching manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Laser processing device for processing the surface of a workpiece using a laser beam, comprises: an optical element (FL) for focusing and/or swiveling a laser beam in a device head (GK); a sealing bonnet (AH), which is held on the device head and placed with a peripheral plant edge on the work piece surface (WO); a safety switch device (SS), which is operated by pressing the sealing bonnet on the workpiece surface; and a gas discharge device, which is designed for removal of gas from the sealing bonnet. Laser processing device for processing the surface of a work piece using a laser beam, comprises: an optical element (FL) for focusing and/or swiveling a laser beam in a device head (GK); a sealing bonnet (AH), which is held on the device head and placed with a peripheral plant edge on the workpiece surface (WO); a safety switch device (SS), which is operated by pressing the sealing bonnet on the workpiece surface; and a gas discharge device, which is designed for removal of gas from the sealing bonnet. A connection unit is arranged between the device head and the sealing bonnet. The connection unit comprises the safety switch device and at least a portion of the gas discharge device. The sealing bonnet is detachable from the connecting unit.