Laser Processing Start Position Correction for Variable Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser processing methods struggle to accurately process objects with varying conveyance velocities, leading to potential defective products when multiple objects are processed in sequence.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing method that involves detecting the conveyance of multiple objects to a predetermined position, determining the processing start position of the second object based on the time interval and conveyance velocities of the first and second objects, and scanning and irradiating the second object with a laser beam within the effective lens diameter of a light condenser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If objects are conveyed at varying velocities and processed sequentially by a laser beam, then productivity is improved through continuous processing, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to insufficient time calculation for processing start positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing start position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the first object's position and conveyance velocity before the second object arrives at the processing position. The control unit calculates the processing start position of the second object in advance based on the detected parameters of the first object, ensuring accurate positioning before the second object requires processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detector provides real-time feedback on the position and conveyance velocity of objects. The control unit uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust and calculate the processing start position of the second object, ensuring accuracy even when conveyance velocities vary between objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the processing start time of the second object is calculated only from the processing stop time of the first object, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to defective products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidprocessing timing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the first object's position and conveyance velocity in advance during its conveyance, before the first object completes processing. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to calculate when the second object will arrive at the processing position and determine the appropriate processing start time, rather than waiting until the first object finishes processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts the processing start position calculation based on the actual conveyance velocity of the first object detected by the detector. This dynamic approach replaces fixed timing assumptions with adaptive calculation that responds to actual operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 method effectively prevents defective products by ensuring accurate processing timing and position correction for the second object, even with variations in the distance between objects, thereby increasing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

detecting the first object conveyed to a predetermined position by a detector; detecting the second object conveyed to the predetermined position by the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light condenser to condense the laser beam emitted from the laser light source to irradiate and process the first object and the second object with the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight condensation: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a laser light source to emit a laser beam; scanning and irradiating the second object with a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4400247B1Laser processing method and laser processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4400247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400247B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

A laser processing method includes: conveying a first object (18a) and a second object (18b); detecting the first object (18a) conveyed to a predetermined position by a detector (16); detecting the second object (18b) conveyed to the predetermined position by the detector (16) following the detecting the first object (18a); determining a processing start position of the second object (18b) from: a period of time (t3) from a time of the detecting the first object (18a) to a time of the detecting the second object (18b); a conveyance velocity of the first object (18a); and a conveyance velocity of the second object (18b); and scanning and irradiating the second object (18b) with a laser beam (20) from the processing start position to a processing stop position within an effective lens diameter of a light condenser (15).