Laser Beam Reflector Layout for Wider Scanning Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing apparatuses have limited scanning line widths, making it difficult to achieve a wide processing range.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a scanner unit and a reflector unit with sub-reflector units that adjust and reflect the laser beam in multiple directions, allowing for a wider scanning line by shifting and inclining the optical path, and an F-theta lens to maintain a constant focal distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a scanner is used to control the irradiation position of the laser beam, then the scanning line width can be adjusted, but the processing range remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector unit that redirects the laser beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction. This adds a dimensional transformation to the optical path, allowing the beam to cover a wider area by changing its propagation direction rather than simply expanding the scanner's angular range.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector unit acts as an intermediary component between the scanner and the processing target. It receives the scanned laser beam and redirects it to extend the effective processing range, thereby mediating between the limited scanner output and the desired wide coverage area.
2Length of moving object
If the scanner adjusts the optical path in one direction, then scanning control is achieved, but the scanning line width is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector unit transforms the optical path from a single-direction scan to a two-dimensional coverage area by redirecting the beam perpendicular to the scanning direction. This dimensional change effectively multiplies the scanning line width without complicating the scanner's operation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple mirrors are used to shift the optical path in multiple directions, then the processing range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mirror functions into a single integrated reflector unit. Instead of using separate mirrors for different directional adjustments, the reflector unit performs both the perpendicular redirection and the optical path shifting in one component, thereby reducing the total number of parts while achieving the same expanded coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects the laser beam perpendicular to the scanning direction, shifts the optical path to extend the scanning line width, and maintains beam alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.
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 enables laser processing across a wider range, overcoming the limitations of narrow scanning lines in conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the scanner unit adjusts the optical path of the laser beam from the laser source in a first direction or in a second direction different from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
the reflector unit reflects the laser beam adjusted by the scanner. In such an embodiment, the reflector unit includes a first sub-reflector unit which shifts an optical path of the laser beam adjusted by the scanner unit in the first direction, and a second sub-reflector unit which shifts the optical path of the laser beam adjusted by the scanner unit in a third direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing apparatus includes a laser source which generates a laser beam; a scanner unit disposed in an optical path of the laser beam from the laser source and which adjusts the optical path of the laser beam from the laser source in a first direction or in a second direction different from the first direction; and a reflector unit disposed in an optical path of the laser beam adjusted by the scanner unit and which reflects the laser beam adjusted by the scanner unit, where the reflector unit includes a first sub-reflector unit which shifts an optical path of the laser adjusted by the scanner unit in the first direction, and a second sub-reflector unit which shifts an optical path of the laser beam adjusted by the scanner unit in a third direction opposite to the first direction.