Laser Beam Scanning for Effective Spot Alignment on Curved Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser heating systems face challenges in accurately aligning a non-circular laser spot or a circular spot with irregular energy distribution with curved tracks during heating processes, often requiring mechanical adjustments that increase system complexity and wear.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a scanner to create a virtual effective spot by repetitively scanning a laser beam in two dimensions, allowing the spot to be aligned with curved tracks by modifying the scanning pattern's shape and orientation without physically rotating the laser head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the laser head is physically rotated to align the laser spot with curved tracks, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and mechanical wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical scanning system. Instead of physically rotating the laser head to align with curved tracks, the invention uses a scanner to dynamically adjust the laser beam direction through electronic control. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear from rotation joints while maintaining precise alignment through electronic positioning of the laser spot along curved paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from static alignment (fixed laser head orientation) to dynamic alignment (real-time beam steering via scanner). The laser spot is dynamically repositioned along curved tracks by controlling the scanner's deflection angles, allowing the system to adapt to any track geometry without mechanical rotation of the laser head itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the laser head is physically rotated to align the laser spot with curved tracks, then alignment accuracy is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical rotation components by using an optical scanner to steer the laser beam. The scanner uses electromagnetic fields to control mirror deflection, replacing mechanical rotation joints that would otherwise be subject to wear. This increases system reliability by removing wear-prone mechanical parts while maintaining precise alignment capability through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed optics are used to shape the laser beam, then the laser spot shape is stable, but adaptability to different track geometries is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser spot shape stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to track geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces static optical shaping with dynamic beam steering. Instead of using fixed optics to create specific spot shapes, the system uses a scanner to dynamically position the laser spot along any desired path. The spot shape stability is maintained through consistent beam parameters, while adaptability to different track geometries is achieved through real-time adjustment of scan patterns and deflection angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (scanner deflection angles, scan speed, pulse timing) to adapt to different track geometries while maintaining stable laser spot characteristics. By modifying the scanning parameters rather than the optical configuration, the system achieves versatility across different track shapes without compromising beam quality or spot shape consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach simplifies the system, reduces mechanical wear, and enhances alignment accuracy by using electronic controls to adapt the scanning pattern, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of laser heating processes.

Implementation Method 1

heating an object by directing an energy beam, such as a light beam (typically a laser beam), onto the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical energy to thermal energy conversion: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3902649B1Methods and system for heating an object using an energy beam

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 ETXE TAR SA

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Figure 1C

AI summary

A method of heating a portion of an object comprises the steps of: projecting an energy beam (11) onto a surface of the object (100; 206) so as to produce a primary spot on the surface, and repetitively scanning the beam (11) in two dimensions in accordance with a scanning pattern so as to establish an effective spot (12) on the surface, and displacing the effective spot (12) in relation to the surface of the object (100; 206) to progressively heat the at least one selected portion of the object, wherein displacing the effective spot (12) in relation to the surface of the object (100; 206) comprises displacing the effective spot following a track (104) featuring at least one change of direction. The effective spot is maintained aligned with the track by modifying operation of a scanner (2) in correspondence with the at least one change of direction.