Laser Torch Protection Enclosure With Interlocks for Direct Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective enclosures for laser cutting machines are bulky and costly, requiring a pallet shuttle system for loading and unloading workpieces, which increases operational time and financial expenses, while covering the entire machine rather than just the laser torch head.
Innovation Solution
A protection system that encloses only the laser torch head with a movable frame, including top, middle, and bottom protection assemblies, using semi-translucent light shields and brush assemblies to prevent reflected laser light, with integrated safety switches to ensure safe operation and allow direct workpiece loading/unloading without a pallet shuttle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire laser cutting machine is covered with a protective enclosure, then operator safety is improved, but the machine volume increases and workpiece handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is segmented into three separate assemblies (top, middle, bottom) that can be independently positioned and installed. Only the laser torch head area is enclosed rather than the entire machine, reducing overall volume while maintaining safety where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Protection is applied locally only to the laser torch head area where the hazard exists, rather than enclosing the entire machine. The semi-translucent light shields provide targeted protection while leaving other areas accessible.
2Reliability
If a protective enclosure covering the entire machine is used, then laser safety is improved, but a pallet shuttle system is required increasing operational time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into separate assemblies that allow direct access to the work area. The middle protection assembly can be opened to enable operators to directly load and unload workpieces without requiring a pallet shuttle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection assembly includes movable components with interlocking switches that detect open/closed states. The system dynamically adjusts between protected and accessible states, allowing direct workpiece handling when needed while maintaining safety during operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective enclosure is installed, then laser light reflection protection is improved, but the machine becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Semi-translucent light shields are used instead of solid opaque enclosures. These thin film-like shields block harmful laser reflections while allowing visibility and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system uses movable assemblies with interlocking switches that automatically detect when panels are open or closed. This dynamic switching capability simplifies control while maintaining safety, avoiding complex fixed enclosure designs.
4Reliability
If the protective enclosure covers the entire machine, then safety is improved, but workpiece inspection and manipulation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into top, middle, and bottom assemblies with the middle assembly designed to be openable. This allows operators to access and inspect workpieces directly while maintaining protection during laser operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Protection is applied locally only to the laser torch head area using semi-translucent shields, leaving the work area accessible for inspection and manipulation while maintaining safety where the laser hazard exists.
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
The solution reduces the overall volume of the laser cutting machine, allows for direct and cost-effective workpiece handling, and enhances operational efficiency by keeping the majority of the machine accessible for inspection and manipulation, while ensuring safe operation through integrated safety switches.
Implementation Method 1
using semi-translucent light shields and brush assemblies to prevent reflected laser light
Implementation Method 2
using semi-translucent light shields and brush assemblies to prevent reflected laser light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a laser cutting tool with protective enclosure assembly for manipulating a workpiece on a movable platen. The cutting tool includes a frame(11) , a top protection assembly, a middle protection shield (20), a bottom protection assembly and a laser torch head (80). The top protection assembly, middle protection assembly (20), and bottom protection assembly are removably mounted to the frame (11) such that they form a cavity enclosing only substantially the laser torch head (80). Said frame (11) comprises at least one shield interlock switch (22) , said middle protection shield (20) is mounted to said frame (11) via its contact with said shield interlock switch (22) , or said frame (11) comprises at least one top interlock switch (22), said top protection assembly is mounted to said frame (11) via its contact with said top interlock switch (22).