Space Laser Transmission Layout for Stable Multi-Head Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrashort pulse lasers used in laser processing machines for perovskite-type solar cells are prone to fiber breakage and laser changes due to long optical path lengths, complicating the system configuration and affecting processing quality.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing machine with a space transmission device that includes an optical member to change the beam diameter and an attenuator to adjust transmittance, maintaining consistent laser quality across multiple irradiation units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If ultrashort pulse laser is used for high-precision micro-processing, then processing quality is improved, but laser state changes and fiber breakage occur due to long optical path length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing qualityVSAvoidlaser state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical path into multiple segments by introducing intermediate optical paths with optical members (lenses, mirrors) between the laser oscillator and processing heads. This segmentation allows the long optical path to be managed in controlled sections, reducing cumulative laser state changes and preventing fiber breakage while maintaining ultrashort pulse laser benefits for high-precision processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple processing heads are arranged to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases due to branching multiple laser beams

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser beam paths into a shared optical path from a single laser oscillator. By using optical members to guide and distribute the laser beam to multiple processing heads through a common path, the system achieves multi-head functionality while reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate laser sources or fully independent optical paths for each head

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If optical members are introduced to change beam diameter, then laser state changes are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser state stabilityVSAvoidoptical path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes optical parameters (beam diameter, focal length) by introducing optical members at strategic points in the optical path. These parameter changes allow the system to maintain stable laser state by adapting the beam characteristics to match the requirements of different processing heads and optical path segments, reducing laser state changes while the added optical components manage the complexity

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

The solution maintains consistent processing quality and reduces laser state changes, ensuring uniform laser power and accuracy across multiple axes using a simplified configuration.

Implementation Method 1

an optical member configured to change a beam diameter of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an optical member configured to change a beam diameter of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an attenuator configured to change a transmittance of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4596159A1Laser processing machine, space transmission device, and space transmission method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KATAOKA
  • EP4596159A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596159A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596159A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A space transmission (9a, 9b) device used in a laser processing machine. The laser processing machine including a laser oscillator (8) configured to oscillate a laser beam having a pulse width in a picosecond order or a femtosecond order, and a plurality of irradiation units (10a, 10b). The space transmission device includes an optical member configured to change a beam diameter of the laser beam, on an optical path of the laser beam that is emitted from the laser oscillator and that is incident on any one of the plurality of irradiation units.