Laser Reflection Unit for Constant-Distance Multi-Point Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser machining systems face challenges in maintaining consistent focal length and radiation angle, especially when dealing with large or complex works, leading to unstable machining performance and inefficient energy distribution.

Innovation Solution

A laser machining system comprising a laser oscillator, a laser machining head, and a reflection unit with a high-reflectivity reflective member, where the laser light is collected and emitted to maintain a constant work distance and radiation angle, allowing for efficient machining of multiple portions using a simple structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple welders are used to process different portions of a work, then machining versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple select mirrors and drive mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser oscillator is designed to serve multiple welders (A-D) through selective beam direction. The laser oscillator performs multiple functions by directing its output to different welders based on processing needs, eliminating the requirement for multiple separate laser sources while maintaining machining versatility across different work portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Select mirrors (103-105) act as intermediary components that redirect the laser beam from a single laser oscillator to different welders. These mirrors serve as mediators that enable one laser source to serve multiple processing locations without requiring direct connection to each welder, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the focal length of laser light is kept constant to maintain stable machining, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different work distances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidwork distance adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The laser machining head is designed with movable optical components that allow dynamic adjustment of the focal length. This enables the system to adapt to different work distances while maintaining stable machining conditions for each specific configuration, combining both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical parameters of the laser machining head, particularly the focal length, are made changeable to suit different processing requirements and work distances. By allowing parameter adjustment, the system can optimize machining precision for each specific work configuration rather than being constrained to a fixed focal length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If select mirrors are moved to different positions to direct laser beam to different welders, then machining versatility is improved, but positioning accuracy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam direction flexibilityVSAvoidmirror positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring high-precision positioning of select mirrors, the system uses pre-calibrated mirror positions that have been optimized during setup. Once positioned correctly, the mirrors remain fixed at these calibrated locations, eliminating the need for continuous high-precision positioning while maintaining beam direction accuracy for versatile welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 stable and efficient laser machining of multiple portions with consistent energy density, reducing the need for complex structures and allowing for cost-effective, space-efficient processing of large or complex works.

Implementation Method 1

The reflection unit includes a reflective member for reflecting the light emitted from the laser machining head, and radiates the light reflected by the reflective member onto a work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3173180B1Laser machining system and laser machining method
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3173180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3173180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3173180B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laser machining system includes a laser oscillator, a laser machining head, and a reflection unit. The laser oscillator outputs laser light. The laser machining head, which includes a first optical member for collecting the laser light, emits the collected laser light. The reflection unit, which includes a reflective member for reflecting the laser light emitted from the laser machining head, radiates the reflected laser light onto a work.