Laser Head Sensor Reflector Layout for Optical Soiling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for monitoring optical elements in laser material processing heads face challenges such as high installation complexity, interference with gas flow, and low signal ratio due to contamination, particularly when placed in the optical propagation direction, leading to limited effectiveness in detecting soiling and potential damage to laser optics.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement using conical staircase-shaped reflectors arranged behind the optical element to reflect scattered light back to a sensor positioned opposite the optical propagation direction, ensuring minimal interference with the cutting gas flow and enhancing the signal ratio for contamination detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged in the optical direction of propagation behind the optical element, then the signal ratio for contamination detection is significantly improved, but the installation complexity and effort for pressure-tight placement and electrical connection increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sensor arrangement by placing the sensor in front of the optical element (opposite to the optical propagation direction) instead of behind it. This inversion maintains the high signal ratio advantage while avoiding the complex pressure-tight installation and electrical connection requirements that would be necessary if the sensor were placed behind the optical element in the high-signal region.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged in the optical direction of propagation behind the optical element, then the signal ratio for contamination detection is significantly improved, but the rotational symmetry of the cutting gas flow is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by inverting the sensor position to the front side of the optical element, opposite to the optical propagation direction. This placement achieves high contamination detection sensitivity without interfering with the cutting gas flow that passes through the optical element, thereby maintaining gas flow symmetry while improving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the optical sensor is arranged in the opposite direction to the optical propagation direction, then the installation is simplified, but the signal ratio for contamination detection becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary element that bridges the sensor positioned in front of the optical element with the optical propagation path. The light guide captures scattered light from the optical element and directs it to the sensor, enabling the sensor to be placed in an easily accessible position while still receiving sufficient optical signal for high-ratio contamination detection.
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 effective detection of optical element soiling without disrupting the laser material processing head's functionality, maintaining gas flow symmetry and improving signal separation for contamination monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
cylindrically or conically arranged reflectors which are arranged in the optical propagation direction, whereby these reflect the forward scattering through the optical element back through the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a sensor arrangement for reflecting scattered light from a laser beam. The sensor arrangement comprises a first optical element; a cone of a housing disposed behind the first optical element in the direction of the beam path of a laser beam, where the cone of the housing comprises a conical staircase-shaped reflector whose shape corresponds to the shape of the cone of the housing, and where the conical staircase-shaped reflector is formed of a plurality of ring-shaped elements, with each ring-shaped element having reflector surfaces on the inner side facing the beam path of the laser beam; and an element for receiving the light reflected by the respective reflector surfaces of the plurality of ring-shaped elements is arranged on the side of the optical element opposite to the cone of the housing.