Laser Welding Machine Non-Slip Support Face

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in laser welding of motor vehicle light modules is achieving a secure and stable assembly of the casing and glass components without tilting, due to the torque generated by the lateral positioning of the support means relative to the laser beam, which can lead to maintenance faults and compromised seal integrity.

Innovation Solution

A laser welding device with a non-slip treated or shaped support face that secures the casing and glass, allowing for precise alignment and reduced size, utilizing a knurled or coated surface to prevent relative movement and ensure a stable welding process, and optionally incorporating a wheel or roller mechanism to maintain contact along the periphery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the support means is positioned laterally relative to the laser beam to avoid interference, then the beam and weld bead are not interfered with, but a torque is generated that tilts the housing and glass components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding process smoothnessVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a counterbalancing force through the laterally positioned support means. This support means generates a counter-torque that opposes the tilting torque caused by the offset between the support piece and the laser beam axis, thereby preventing the housing and glass from tilting during the welding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The support means acts as a counterbalancing element that compensates for the destabilizing torque. By positioning the support means laterally offset from the support piece, the system creates a counteracting moment that balances the tilting force, maintaining stability without requiring the support means to be directly aligned with the beam

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support means is aligned with the laser beam to maintain stability, then tilting is prevented, but the support means interferes with the beam and weld bead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidbeam interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the spatial conflict by transitioning from a one-dimensional alignment (directly under the beam) to a two-dimensional positioning strategy. The support means is positioned in the lateral dimension offset from the beam axis, while the support piece remains centered under the beam. This dimensional separation allows both stability and non-interference to coexist

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a conventional support piece is used without non-slip treatment, then the structure is simple, but relative movement occurs between the housing and support piece during welding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport piece structureVSAvoidwelding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating only the contact surface of the support piece with a non-slip coating or texture, rather than modifying the entire support piece structure. This localized treatment increases friction at the critical contact interface between the housing and support piece, preventing relative movement during welding while keeping the overall structure simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration ensures a secure and stable welding process, preventing tilting and maintaining the integrity of the seal, while allowing for precise control and reduced machine size, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of the weld.

Implementation Method 1

The laser welding technique involves emitting a beam that passes through the glass due to its transparency and heats the upper surface of the housing, causing it to melt locally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The heat absorbed by the housing is partially transferred to the glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The friction provided by this non-slip surface helps to secure the lower face of the housing to the support piece and to prevent relative movement of the parts to be welded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

The heat absorbed by the housing is partially transferred to the glass, which also melts and mixes with the liquid or paste phase of the housing to form the weld joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

the glass, which also melts and mixes with the liquid or paste phase of the housing to form the weld joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2955003B1Laser welding machine for assembling a housing and a lens of a motor vehicle headlight
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 VALEO ILUMINACION SA
  • EP2955003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2955003B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

Laser beam welding machine (2) for assembling a housing (6) and a lens (5) of a module, in particular, a light module for a motor vehicle, said machine comprising a frame (1) carrying a laser head, and a support piece (7) for said housing and/or lens, said frame carrying a means (4) for supporting said housing and/or lens against said support piece, said support piece (7) having a face (7c) in contact with said housing and/or lens, in particular oriented in the direction of said beam, characterized in that said face (7c) is arranged to make it non-slip.