Synchronized Laser Shielding for Continuous Conveyor Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser operation systems in automation systems face bottlenecks in throughput due to the need for multiple enclosures and lasers, which increase complexity and cost, and require predetermined cycle times, limiting continuous movement of workpieces while maintaining safety from laser emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system with stationary and moving shield elements that form an enclosure around a laser operation station, allowing continuous movement of workpieces through the station by synchronizing the movement of moving shield elements with the conveyor, preventing access and reducing laser emissions exfiltration using peripheral flexible materials and cam-driven extension/contraction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser operation systems use multiple enclosures and lasers to maintain safety, then safety requirements are met, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic shield elements that move with the workpiece through the laser station, creating a moving enclosure that adapts to the continuous motion of workpieces. This dynamic approach replaces static multiple enclosures with a single adaptive enclosure system, reducing complexity while maintaining safety during continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is segmented into stationary and moving components, where the moving shield elements are divided into multiple segments that can independently track and follow workpieces through the laser station, allowing the system to maintain safety zones without requiring a complete enclosed structure
2Reliability
If conventional laser operation systems use multiple enclosures and lasers to maintain safety, then safety requirements are met, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple enclosures and lasers into a single integrated laser station with a shared enclosure system. The moving shield elements serve multiple safety functions simultaneously, reducing the need for redundant components and lowering overall system cost while maintaining safety standards
3Reliability
If conventional laser operation systems require predetermined cycle times, then safety is maintained, but throughput becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The moving shield elements enable continuous workpiece movement through the laser station without interruption. The shields dynamically adjust their position to maintain safety zones during continuous operation, eliminating the need for stop-start cycle operations and enabling uninterrupted throughput while preserving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the moving shields allows the system to adapt in real-time to continuous workpiece flow, maintaining safety zones without requiring predetermined cycle times. The shields move synchronously with the conveyor, enabling continuous operation at varying speeds
4Reliability
If conventional laser operation systems use multiple enclosures, then safety is maintained, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single enclosure is segmented into stationary and moving components, where moving shield elements are divided into multiple segments that independently track workpieces. This segmentation allows one enclosure to perform the safety functions of multiple enclosures, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A protected/laser operation system and method for an automation system including one or more workpieces carried by a conveyor. The protected laser operation system includes: a protected operation/laser; one or more stationary shield elements forming an enclosure for the protected operation/laser, with an inlet and an outlet, and positioned such that a work piece on the conveyor can enter the inlet and exit the outlet; and one or more moving shield elements that move in synchronization with the one or more workpieces as the workpieces are moved in continuous motion by the conveyor into a protected area/laser emissions from the laser, wherein the one or more moving shield elements are configured to reduce/prevent access to/from the protected area such as exfiltration of laser emissions from the inlet or outlet while the one or more workpieces are moving through the enclosure.