Laser Oscillator Support Table for Faster Optical Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The labor-intensive process of optical axis adjustment in laser processing apparatuses is prolonged due to the need for precise alignment of optical elements after replacing the laser oscillator, as individual differences in laser beam emission positions and angles require frequent adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A laser oscillator support table with a base, Z-axis direction movement means, Y-axis direction moving plate, rotating plate, and adjustment units that allow for independent movement and rotation, enabling precise positioning and alignment of the laser oscillator to minimize the need for optical axis adjustments post-replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the laser oscillator is replaced, then the laser processing apparatus can continue operation, but optical axis adjustment becomes necessary which increases labor and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-adjusting the laser oscillator on the support table before installation into the main apparatus. The support table allows for preliminary optical axis alignment and positioning adjustments to be made in advance, so that when the laser oscillator is replaced and installed, the majority of the alignment work has already been completed, significantly reducing the adjustment time required after replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support table serves as an intermediary device between the laser oscillator and the main apparatus mounting position. This intermediary structure provides a controlled environment for preliminary adjustments and includes features like adjustment screws and positioning mechanisms that facilitate pre-alignment, acting as a mediator that simplifies the overall installation and reduction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the laser oscillator is replaced, then the apparatus can maintain operational capability, but optical element alignment becomes troublesome and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment process into two distinct phases: preliminary adjustment on the support table and final installation in the main apparatus. The support table is segmented from the main apparatus structure, allowing independent adjustment operations to be performed on the laser oscillator before its final installation, thereby simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support table enables preliminary optical axis adjustment and positioning of the laser oscillator before it is installed into the main apparatus. This preliminary action includes adjusting the laser beam direction and positioning optical elements, which reduces the complexity and labor required for final alignment after installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the space for optical parts is reduced to minimize apparatus size, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but optical axis adjustment becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the adjustment process to a different spatial and temporal dimension - the support table provides an additional workspace dimension separate from the compact main apparatus. This allows preliminary adjustments to be made in this extended dimension before installation, effectively adding space for adjustment operations without increasing the footprint of the main apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11772190B2Laser oscillator support table and adjustment method of laser oscillator support table

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 DISCO CORP

AI summary

A laser oscillator support table includes a base, a fixed plate supported over the base with intermediary of a Z-axis direction movement unit, and a Y-axis direction moving plate mounted on the fixed plate, movable orthogonal to an X-axis direction. An optical path direction of the beam emitted from a laser oscillator supported by the laser oscillator support table is defined as the X-axis direction. The laser oscillator support table further includes a rotating plate that is mounted on the Y-axis direction moving plate rotatably around a rotation center pin fixed to the Y-axis direction moving plate and supports the laser oscillator, a Y-axis direction movement unit that moves the Y-axis direction moving plate in the Y-axis direction, and a rotational movement unit that rotates the rotating plate around the rotation center pin in a plane parallel to a plane formed by the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.