Laser Working Device with Adjustable Power Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing wood and wood-based materials lack flexibility in utilizing laser energy for various operations without requiring additional laser sources, limiting the versatility of the production process.

Innovation Solution

A method and processing machine that utilizes a single laser source with adjustable power density and interchangeable laser processing tools, allowing for different operations such as material separation, adhesive activation, and heating, which can be switched between different processing tasks without additional laser sources, increasing flexibility without increasing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser sources are used for different processing operations, then processing versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser source is designed to perform multiple processing operations by adjusting power density and using interchangeable processing tools. The laser source can switch between cutting, welding, heating, and adhesive activation by changing operational parameters and tool attachments, eliminating the need for multiple separate laser sources while maintaining processing versatility across different wood and composite material operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser source incorporates dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities, allowing real-time changes in power density and operational mode during processing. The system can dynamically switch between different processing functions (cutting, welding, heating) and adjust laser parameters based on the specific operation being performed, enabling one laser source to adaptively perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated laser systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser sources are used for different processing operations, then processing versatility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing versatilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single laser source is designed to perform multiple processing operations by adjusting power density and using interchangeable processing tools. The laser source can switch between cutting, welding, heating, and adhesive activation by changing operational parameters and tool attachments, eliminating the need for multiple separate laser sources while maintaining processing versatility across different wood and composite material operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple processing functions that would traditionally require separate laser sources are merged into a single integrated laser system. The system combines cutting, welding, heating, and adhesive activation capabilities in one laser source with interchangeable tools, consolidating what would be multiple expensive laser purchases into a single cost-effective solution while maintaining all necessary processing versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If laser power density is adjusted for different operations, then processing precision is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs parameter changes in laser power density to achieve different processing outcomes with a single laser source. By adjusting power density levels, the same laser can perform precision cutting at high power, welding at medium power, and adhesive activation at low power. The control system manages these parameter transitions automatically based on the selected operation and processing tool, maintaining precision while minimizing the perceived control complexity through automated parameter selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables versatile laser processing operations, including material separation and adhesive activation, on the same workpiece with adjustable power density, enhancing production flexibility and reducing costs by using a single laser source and interchangeable tools.

Implementation Method 1

the second layer is first removed by means of a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

activate an adhesive of an edge material on a workpiece in a first step by means of laser energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3046718B1Method and device for laser working
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3046718B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for laser machining and to a machine for machining workpieces which are preferably made of wood, wood composites or a combination thereof. Said method consists of the following steps: a first laser machining tool (5a) mounted in an interface (4) carries out a first machining step on a workpiece, the laser power density is adjusted for a second laser machining tool (5b-5d, 7) in order to carry out a second machining step, the second machining step is carried out using the second laser machining tool (5b-5d, 7). The second machining step is different from the first machining step.