Laser Processing Skid Monitoring for Spatter and Weld Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional skid evaluation devices fail to detect spatter deposition or welding between skid protrusions and workpieces, leading to increased likelihood of defects during laser processing, as they cannot accurately assess the skid state due to structural limitations.

Innovation Solution

A skid state determination device that images the skid table from above and below, using a backlight source to enhance visibility, and compares image information with reference data to determine skid state, including protrusion outlines, pass lines, and thickness, with a learning model for defect prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the skid evaluation device checks only before laser processing starts, then initial skid state can be confirmed, but changes during processing cannot be detected until after processing completes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection timingVSAvoiddefect prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous skid state monitoring throughout the laser processing operation. The imaging devices capture images at multiple time points (before processing, during processing at intermediate stages, and after processing), enabling continuous detection of skid state changes rather than single-point checking, thus preventing defects by identifying deterioration trends early.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where skid state images are continuously captured and analyzed, and maintenance decisions are made based on the determined skid state. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of processing parameters or interruption of processing when skid deterioration is detected, preventing defect occurrence rather than merely detecting it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If detailed skid state monitoring is implemented to detect small changes, then defect probability can be reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidimaging and analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical imaging and image processing. Instead of using multiple physical sensors and mechanical measurement apparatus, the system uses lateral and longitudinal imaging devices to capture visual information, which is then processed through image analysis algorithms to extract skid state parameters, simplifying the physical hardware while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates optical copies (images) of the skid at different stages and angles, then analyzes these copies to determine skid state. By capturing lateral images for thickness measurement and longitudinal images for surface condition assessment, the system obtains comprehensive skid information without physical contact or complex mechanical probing, reducing device complexity while improving detection capability.

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 precise and accurate identification of skid defects, preventing processing issues by providing timely warnings and alarms, ensuring stable laser processing operations.

Implementation Method 1

the imaging means is configured to image the skid table from a position above the supporting surface formed by the top points of the plurality of protrusions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a backlight source configured to irradiate the skid table with a beam from a direction different from an imaging direction of the imaging means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4140632B1Skid state determination device, skid state determination method, and laser processing system
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 AMADA CO LTD
  • EP4140632B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4140632B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4140632B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A skid state determination device is a skid state determination device for determining a state of a plurality of skids for supporting a workpiece to be processed by a laser processing machine, with a supporting surface formed by top points of a plurality of protrusions, and includes: imaging means configured to be able to image at least a part of a skid table provided with the plurality of skids; and state determination means configured to determine the state of the skids based on image information obtained by imaging the skid table with the imaging means, and the state determination means executes: first determination processing for determining the state of the skids based on the image information obtained by imaging the skid table with the imaging means, before the workpiece is carried onto the skid table; and second determination processing for determining the state of the skids based on the image information obtained by imaging the skid table with the imaging means, after the workpiece is carried out from the laser processing machine but before a product obtained by processing the workpiece is carried out from the skid table.