Laser Apparatus Temperature Control for Condensation Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Laser apparatuses face issues with condensation formation when transitioning from normal operation to maintenance mode in high temperature, high humidity environments, leading to potential performance degradation and increased risk of electrical issues due to temperature differences between the optical components and the surrounding air.

Innovation Solution

A laser apparatus with a sealed housing and a temperature regulation mechanism that adjusts the optical system's temperature to match or exceed the outside air temperature during a preparatory step before opening, combined with an air feeding system to maintain dry conditions, preventing condensation and allowing for quick maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the optical system is maintained at a low temperature (15°C to 30°C) to extend component lifetime, then component lifetime is improved, but condensation forms when the housing is opened in high temperature, high humidity environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lifetimeVSAvoidcondensation formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature regulation mechanism performs preliminary heating of the optical system before the housing is opened for maintenance work. By anticipating the temperature difference that would cause condensation, the system pre-adjusts the optical system temperature to match or exceed the outside air temperature, preventing condensation formation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter of the optical system based on operating conditions. During maintenance preparation in high temperature environments, the temperature regulation mechanism raises the optical system temperature from the normal operating range (15°C to 30°C) to match or exceed the outside air temperature, thereby eliminating the temperature differential that causes condensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the optical system temperature is raised to prevent condensation, then condensation formation is prevented, but the temperature difference between component parts and outside air increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidtemperature difference

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature regulation mechanism performs preliminary heating of the optical system before the housing is opened for maintenance work. By anticipating the temperature difference that would cause condensation, the system pre-adjusts the optical system temperature to match or exceed the outside air temperature, preventing condensation formation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If maintenance work is performed immediately after opening the housing, then productivity is improved, but condensation forms on optical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance speedVSAvoidcondensation on optical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature regulation mechanism performs preliminary heating of the optical system before the housing is opened for maintenance work. By anticipating the temperature difference that would cause condensation, the system pre-adjusts the optical system temperature to match or exceed the outside air temperature, preventing condensation formation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 rapid and safe maintenance by preventing condensation on optical components, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the risk of electrical faults in high humidity environments.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature regulation mechanism maintaining the optical system at a predetermined temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature regulation: Heating

Implementation Method 2

an air feeding part feeding dry air to the inside of the housing when the preparatory step is started

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9899790B2Laser apparatus having temperature control function for maintenance work

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A laser apparatus able to prevent the formation of condensation at the time of maintenance work. The laser apparatus includes a housing having an openable sealed structure, an optical system set inside the housing, a temperature regulation mechanism maintaining the optical system at a predetermined temperature, and a preparatory step controller controlling a preparatory step performed before opening the housing. The temperature regulation mechanism is configured to maintain the optical system at a first temperature during operation of the laser apparatus and to maintain the optical system at a second temperature of the first temperature or more when the preparatory step is started.