Laser Workpiece Positioning with Rotary-Linear Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aligning and positioning workpieces in laser processing machines require large accelerations and driving forces to move elongated workpieces, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially when processing workpieces with large axial lengths.
Innovation Solution
A movement device with a first rotary drive, a first linear drive, and a second rotary drive, which allows for rotation and linear translation of the workpiece relative to the laser beam, reducing the need for long-distance movements and thus minimizing the required accelerations and forces, by using a rigid body and elongated workpiece holder to align the workpiece's surface with the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If elongated workpieces are moved over large distances using conventional multi-axis movement devices, then the entire surface of the workpiece can be processed, but large accelerations and driving forces are required which reduce reliability and increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radial dimension for workpiece positioning by moving the workpiece on a radial path around the laser beam axis using a crank mechanism. This dimensional change allows the entire workpiece surface to be accessed without requiring large linear movements along the workpiece axis, thereby reducing the need for large accelerations and driving forces while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic mechanisms including a crank mechanism with adjustable crank radius and a movable support structure that can adjust its position along the radial path. This dynamic configuration allows adaptation to different workpiece lengths and shapes, enabling complete surface processing with reduced movement distances and lower mechanical stresses on the drives.
2Ease of operation
If conventional movement devices with multiple translation and rotation drives are used, then workpieces can be positioned and oriented, but the device complexity and required driving forces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning task into two independent components: radial positioning via the crank mechanism and axial positioning via the movable support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall complexity compared to conventional multi-axis devices while maintaining full positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing radial movement as an alternative to linear axial movement, the patent reduces the complexity of the movement device. The crank mechanism converts rotational motion into radial displacement, eliminating the need for complex multi-axis translation and rotation drives while achieving the same positioning objectives.
3Productivity
If large accelerations are applied to move elongated workpieces quickly, then processing time is reduced, but positioning accuracy and mechanical stress on drives deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radial positioning approach allows the workpiece to be moved along a circular arc path rather than requiring large linear accelerations. This dimensional change enables smoother, more controlled motion with lower accelerations, maintaining positioning accuracy while still achieving efficient processing through optimized radial sweep patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable crank radius and movable support structure enable dynamic optimization of the motion profile. By adapting the radial path parameters to the specific workpiece geometry, the system achieves efficient processing speeds without requiring excessive accelerations, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy and reducing mechanical stress.
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 precise alignment and processing of elongated workpieces over their entire surface without the need for large accelerations and driving forces, improving positioning accuracy and reducing mechanical stress on the drives.
Implementation Method 1
The laser radiation with high power density leads to heating of the material on the surface of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
Material is removed from the surface of the workpiece. This is called laser ablation
Implementation Method 3
The torque of the first rotary drive drives the rigid body to rotate about the axis of rotation B relative to the machine base
Implementation Method 4
The first linear actuator generates a linear driving force along an axis Xw radial to the axis B and thereby translates a first carriage along the axis Xw on the surface of the rigid body
Implementation Method 5
The second rotary drive is arranged on the first carriage. With its torque, the second rotary drive drives the workpiece fixing device about the axis of rotation C for rotation relative to the device base
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for aligning and positioning a workpiece (4) relative to a laser beam (3) of a laser processing machine. The device is equipped with a device base (5), a workpiece fixing device (6) which receives the workpiece (4) to be machined, and a moving device (7) which has at least three axes and which moves the workpiece fixing device (6) relative to the device base (5). The moving device (7) is equipped with a rigid body (12) and a first rotational drive which generates a torque about a rotational axis B and rotates the rigid body (12) about the rotational axis B relative to the machine base (5). The rigid body (12) is equipped with a first linear drive which moves a first slide (13) on the rigid body (12) along the axis Xw. The first slide (13) is equipped with a second rotational drive (14) which generates a torque about a rotational axis C that differs from the rotational axis B and rotates the workpiece fixing device (6) about the rotational axis C.