Laser Welding Protective Module With Air Knife Glass Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent cleaning of protective glass in laser welding devices leads to micro damage and a shortened replacement cycle, increasing maintenance costs due to contamination from foreign substances during the welding process.
Innovation Solution
A protecting module with an air flow path and air supply units creates an 'air knife' to block foreign substances, while a reflected light-absorbing plate reduces back reflections and a monitoring lamp checks welding quality, all integrated into a modular design that simplifies maintenance and enhances precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective glass is frequently cleaned to remove contamination, then welding quality is maintained, but micro damage occurs and replacement cycle shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air supply units that blow air onto the protective glass surface before foreign substances can accumulate to problematic levels. This preliminary action prevents contamination buildup, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning that causes micro damage, while extending the protective glass service life without compromising welding quality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective glass is cleaned frequently, then contamination is removed, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply units create a self-cleaning effect by continuously blowing air across the protective glass surface, preventing foreign substance accumulation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cleaning operations and associated maintenance costs, while effectively keeping the protective glass clear without requiring external intervention
3Loss of energy
If reflected light is not absorbed, then optical energy is wasted, but components may be damaged by back reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflected light-absorbing plate that converts the harmful back-reflected laser light into thermal energy. This absorbs the reflected optical energy that would otherwise waste resources and potentially damage components, transforming the harmful reflection into a benign thermal effect that protects the optical 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 protecting module effectively prevents contamination of the protective glass, extends its replacement cycle, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances the precision and quality of laser welding by blocking foreign substances and absorbing reflected light.
Implementation Method 1
a direction in which air flows into the air flow path is defined as an inlet, and a direction in which air is sprayed from the air flow path is defined as an outlet
Implementation Method 2
a reflected light-absorbing plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A protecting module for a laser welding device includes: a first cover having an aperture which allows a laser beam, which is emitted by passing through protective glass of the laser welding device, to pass therethrough; a second cover which is provided on one side of a main housing of the laser welding device in a coupled state with the first cover, is coupled to an optical system housing that supports the protective glass, and has an aperture that allows the laser beam to pass therethrough; and a plurality of air supply units which are installed on an outer circumferential surface of the first cover or the second cover and through which outside air flows into. The first cover or the second cover includes an air flow path which is recessed from a plate surface on one side thereof and a plurality of air holes which pass therethrough to allow the air flow path and the outer circumferential surface to communicate with each other, and the air supply units communicate with the air holes. The air supplied to the air flow path is discharged to a space between mating surfaces of the first cover and the second cover. The air is discharged toward the aperture.