Laser Scanner Control Module for Machine Tool Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of laser scanners into machine tools is inadequately possible due to the encapsulated control systems of machine tools, which are designed for linear kinematic chains and Cartesian axes, whereas laser scanners have spatially offset mirrors that do not gimbal, leading to independent control and synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
A scanner device with a control module that accepts TARGET data to determine mirror pivot angles, allowing integration into the machine tool's control system via a virtual tool with cardanically arranged pivot axes, enabling multi-axis interpolation and precise guidance of the laser beam to the machining point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laser scanners with spatially offset mirrors are integrated into machine tools, then laser beam deflection capability is improved, but control system compatibility deteriorates due to non-gimbal mirror arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary between the machine tool control system and the laser scanner. This control module receives target data from the machine tool control, calculates the required mirror pivot angles through coordinate transformations, and sends control signals to the mirror actuators. This intermediary layer resolves the incompatibility between the machine tool's Cartesian coordinate system and the laser scanner's spatially offset mirror geometry, enabling seamless integration without modifying either system's fundamental architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module dynamically changes the control parameters by performing real-time coordinate transformations. It converts target positions from the machine tool's Cartesian coordinate system into the appropriate mirror pivot angles for the laser scanner's spatially offset mirror arrangement. This parameter transformation approach allows the system to adapt to different mirror configurations and maintain control compatibility across varying operational conditions.
2Measurement precision
If independent control of each mirror is implemented, then laser beam positioning precision is improved, but synchronization with machine tool axes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control module implements a feedback mechanism where it continuously receives target data from the machine tool control system, calculates the required mirror positions, and adjusts the mirror actuators accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that independent mirror adjustments remain synchronized with the machine tool axes movement, maintaining system coherence while preserving positioning precision through real-time coordinate transformations and control signal adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time calculation of mirror pivot angles is performed, then integration into machine tool control is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module performs preliminary calculations of mirror pivot angles based on incoming target data from the machine tool control system. By pre-calculating the necessary mirror positions before actual beam deflection is required, the system reduces real-time processing delays. This advance computation allows the scanner to be seamlessly integrated into the machine tool's control workflow without becoming a bottleneck in the manufacturing process.
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 seamless integration of the scanner device into machine tool control systems, allowing for synchronized movement with machine tool axes, reducing processing time and improving path planning through real-time interpolation of mirror pivot angles and focus position adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second mirror form a beam guide for the laser beam, so that the laser beam can be deflected in two independent spatial directions by changing the first and the second pivot angles
Data Source
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AI summary
In known embodiments, scanners for laser beams in laser material processing have two mirrors. This optical setup makes it possible to move a laser beam on a workpiece in two independent spatial directions. The invention proposes a scanner device (10) for a laser beam (11) comprising a first mirror module (12), wherein the first mirror module (12) has a first mirror (16) and a first mirror actuator (18) for pivoting the first mirror (16) relative to a first mirror pivot axis (17) by a first mirror pivot angle, and a second mirror module (13), wherein the second mirror module (13) has a second mirror (19) and a second mirror actuator (21) for pivoting the second mirror (19) relative to a second mirror pivot axis (20) by a second mirror pivot angle, and wherein the first and second mirrors (16, 19) form a beam guide (11).so that the laser beam (11) can be deflected in two independent spatial directions by changing the first and second swivel angles, with a control module for specifying a first target mirror swivel angle and a second target mirror swivel angle, and with an interface for receiving target data comprising a first target axis swivel angle for a first virtual swivel axis and a second target axis swivel angle for a second virtual swivel axis of a virtual tool, wherein the first and second virtual swivel axes intersect at a virtual swivel point, wherein the virtual tool has a tool length such that a target machining point is defined by the target data.