Laser Welding Head Shield with Workpiece Protrusion for Radiation Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser welding methods require costly and space-intensive laser protection cabins or complex pressing mechanisms to prevent hazardous radiation exposure, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of manual laser welding devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where the first component has a protrusion that fits within the laser beam exit protection, allowing the laser beam to be directed onto this elevation, effectively shielding the radiation and preventing its escape, thus eliminating the need for a protection cabin or pressing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a laser safety enclosure is used to protect against laser radiation, then safety is improved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection system into segments: instead of enclosing the entire laser workspace, only the laser beam exit aperture is shielded with a small protective cover. The workpiece itself is positioned to block the laser beam path, creating a segmented approach where protection is applied only where absolutely necessary (at the beam exit) rather than throughout the entire workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective measure is applied locally at the laser beam exit aperture rather than globally throughout the workspace. A small protective cover is placed only at the critical point where the laser beam exits, and the workpiece positioning provides additional localized shielding. This local quality approach protects against radiation without requiring a large enclosure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pressing mechanism is used to press the component against the laser output aperture, then radiation protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece itself serves the dual function of being the object to be welded and providing radiation shielding. By positioning the workpiece to block the laser beam path from the aperture, the workpiece 'self-shields' the radiation without requiring external pressing mechanisms. The welding setup inherently provides the protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex pressing mechanism is extracted and replaced by a simpler arrangement where the workpiece positioning and a small protective cover provide adequate shielding. The essential function of radiation protection is achieved by taking out the unnecessary complexity of heavy pressing mechanisms and using only what is absolutely required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pressure device is used for welding, then radiation protection is improved, but manual guidance becomes difficult and accessibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into a small protective cover at the aperture and strategic workpiece positioning, eliminating the need for a large pressure device. This segmentation allows the laser welding head to remain lightweight and manually guidable while still providing adequate radiation protection through the combined effect of the small cover and workpiece arrangement.
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 approach significantly reduces costs and space requirements while enabling flexible, one-sided welding with minimal radiation exposure, allowing for efficient and safe manual operation of laser welding devices.
Implementation Method 1
This projection causes the laser beam to be scattered within the laser beam exit shield
Implementation Method 2
the scattered radiation is essentially absorbed by the laser beam exit shield or by the first component
Implementation Method 3
a laser beam is projected onto the first raised area by means of the laser welding head in order to join the first component to the second component in a materially bonded manner
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for welding at least one first component (14) with a second component (16), wherein the first component (14) is provided with a first elevation (28) in a first surface (26), the second component (16) is brought into contact with a second surface (30) of the first component (14) at least in the region of the first elevation (28), a laser welding head (12) having a laser beam outlet protection (24) is applied to the first component (14), wherein the laser beam outlet protection (24) defines a protection volume (42) and the laser welding head (12) is applied to the first component (14) such that at least in some regions of the first elevation (28) project into the protection volume (42), and by means of the laser welding head (12) a laser beam (44) is projected onto the first elevation (28) in order to integrally join the first component (14) to the second component (16). The invention also relates to a laser welding device and a system (10) comprising a laser welding device and two components (14, 16).