Laser Welding Chamber Shutter for Clean Transmission Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser welding devices, solidified metal vapor particles tend to adhere to the laser transmission window when the chamber pressure is returned to atmospheric pressure after welding, causing blockage and reducing production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A shutter is introduced on the chamber side of the laser transmission window that closes when the pressure is returned to atmospheric pressure, along with a gas introduction unit to prevent particles from reaching the window, and a tubular portion configuration to minimize shutter size and maximize vapor containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the chamber pressure is rapidly returned to atmospheric pressure after welding, then the production efficiency is improved, but solidified metal vapor particles adhere to the laser transmission window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure return process into two distinct phases: a rapid pressure equalization phase to restore atmospheric pressure quickly, and a subsequent particle removal phase using shield gas flow to clear metal vapor particles from the laser transmission window area. This segmentation allows both rapid pressure return and particle prevention to be achieved sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shield gas into the chamber before the pressure return process begins, creating a protective gas environment in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the pressure equalization occurs, the shield gas is already positioned to prevent metal vapor particles from reaching and adhering to the laser transmission window.
2Reliability
If shield gas is introduced to prevent particle adhesion during pressure return, then the laser transmission window is protected, but the pressure return process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the shield gas flow rate during the pressure return process. The gas flow is intensified during the critical phase when metal vapor particles are most likely to migrate toward the laser transmission window, and then reduced or stopped once the particles are cleared. This dynamic adjustment maintains particle protection while minimizing the overall time required for pressure return.
3Reliability
If a shutter is added to block particles from reaching the laser transmission window, then particle adhesion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses shield gas as an intermediary substance between the metal vapor particles and the laser transmission window. Instead of adding a mechanical shutter, the shield gas acts as a mediating medium that prevents particles from reaching the window by creating a protective gas environment and utilizing gas flow to redirect particles away from the window surface.
4Reliability
If the chamber is sealed tightly to prevent particle escape, then particle adhesion is reduced, but the pressure equalization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using controlled gas flow (shield gas) to manage particle movement during pressure equalization. The shield gas flow is designed to counteract the natural convection currents that would carry metal vapor particles toward the laser transmission window during pressure changes, thereby preventing adhesion without requiring extended sealing or gradual pressure adjustment.
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
Prevents solidified metal vapor particles from adhering to the laser transmission window, ensuring stable welding and rapid pressure return, thus maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump which suctions air in the chamber and decreases a pressure in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam irradiation unit which irradiates the workpiece with a laser beam to weld the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a laser transmission window through which the laser beam emitted from the laser beam irradiation unit can be transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
A laser welding device includes a chamber which has an internal space in which a workpiece is disposed, a laser beam irradiation unit which irradiates the workpiece with a laser beam to weld the workpiece, a vacuum pump which suctions air in the chamber to decrease a pressure in the chamber, a laser transmission window through which the laser beam emitted from the laser beam irradiation unit is transmitted, and a shutter which is disposed on the chamber side with respect to the laser transmission window and closed when the pressure in the chamber is returned to the atmospheric pressure after laser welding.