Rotating Laser Turret Drum for Precise Optical Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machines and measuring machines lack the precision and versatility in aligning optical devices with the object to be scanned or processed, leading to inefficiencies in processing and measurement operations.
Innovation Solution
A turret system for laser machines and measuring machines that includes a rotating drum with a translation movement, allowing for precise alignment and positioning of optical, gripping, processing, measuring, or vision devices relative to the laser beam axis, thereby enhancing alignment precision and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical devices are mounted separately on the laser machine, then each device can be positioned independently, but the system occupies significant space and requires extensive setup time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical devices are merged into a single rotating turret assembly, allowing multiple devices to occupy the same spatial footprint by being positioned at different angular locations on the turret. The turret rotates to bring the required device into the working position, eliminating the need for multiple separate mounting locations on the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The turret is designed with rotational capability, transforming the static mounting arrangement into a dynamic system. The turret can rotate to different angular positions to bring different optical devices into alignment with the laser beam axis, enabling device interchangeability through motion rather than through multiple fixed mounting positions.
2Measurement precision
If optical devices are manually aligned with the laser beam axis, then alignment can be achieved, but the alignment precision is insufficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical device is pre-mounted on the turret with precise angular positioning relative to the turret center. The turret itself is pre-aligned with the laser beam axis. This preliminary precision mounting eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment of each device during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced by a precision rotary indexing mechanism. The turret uses precise mechanical indexing to rotate to predetermined angular positions, ensuring that each optical device is automatically positioned with high precision relative to the laser beam axis without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If a rotating turret with multiple devices is implemented, then versatility and speed are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating turret serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting platform for multiple optical devices, provides precise angular positioning mechanism, and enables rapid device switching. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The turret assembly is segmented into modular components: the turret body, the rotating drum, individual optical device mounts, and the indexing mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while maintaining the overall functionality of the system.
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 turret system significantly improves the alignment precision and versatility of optical devices, enabling faster and more effective processing and measurement operations while reducing time and space requirements, resulting in substantial economic advantages.
Implementation Method 1
Laser scanners operate by using the reflection of a laser light beam emitted by an emitting device on the object to be measured
Data Source
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AI summary
Object of the invention is a laser machine and/or a measuring machine adapted for mounting at least one optical device and for rotating it at a workpiece to be processed and/or measured, said turret (10) comprising: - at least one turret body supported by the machine; - at least one rotating drum (120) supported by said turret body and supporting at least two devices chosen from optical, gripping, processing, measuring or vision devices; - a laser scanner mounted, in whole or in part, inside the rotating drum of the above-mentioned turret; - said laser scanner being able to use a laser beam, the above-mentioned laser beam having a reflection axis and being generated by a laser generator external to the above-mentioned turret (10); wherein - the rotating drum (120) is mounted rotating around said turret body so as to rotate to bring each device alternatively in alignment with or at the axis of reflection of the laser beam coming from the laser scanner.