LD Module Insulated Fixation via Elastic Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing LD modules in laser oscillators face challenges in balancing electrical insulation and cooling, leading to potential deformation, workability issues, and unsuitable configurations for multiple LDs, particularly in terms of durability, cost, and workability.

Innovation Solution

The LD module is fixed to a cooling plate using a thermally conductive insulating member and an elastic insulating member with elastic deformability, eliminating the need for additional insulation screws and allowing for positional tolerance absorption, thus ensuring durable, cost-effective, and workable insulated fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid holding jig is used to fix the LD module, then fixation strength is improved, but height difference due to tolerance causes gaps or excessive holding power leading to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidLD module deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding jig is changed from a rigid structure to an elastic structure that can deform. This allows the jig to adapt to height differences caused by manufacturing tolerances while maintaining adequate holding force, preventing both gaps and excessive force that would deform the LD module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic insulating member is designed with inherent elasticity to compensate for potential height differences before assembly. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to absorb tolerance variations without requiring precise manufacturing or risking LD module deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Temperature

If a thermally conductive fixing member is used for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but electrical insulation cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member is constructed as a composite material combining thermal conduction capability with electrical insulation properties. This allows the same component to simultaneously achieve efficient heat dissipation from the LD module while maintaining electrical insulation between the LD power source and other members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic insulating member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, enables thermal conduction for cooling, and offers elastic deformation for tolerance compensation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If die bonding is used to join insulating substrate to LD, then fixation is achieved, but it is not suitable for LD modules with multiple LDs and deteriorates workability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidworkability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex die bonding process is replaced with a simpler elastic pressing mechanism. The elastic insulating member is pressed into place to provide fixation, eliminating the need for high-temperature die bonding equipment and processes, thereby significantly improving workability while maintaining fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides superior durability, cost-effectiveness, and workability by maintaining stable fixation while ensuring efficient cooling and electrical insulation, addressing the limitations of previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic insulating member (25) which elastically deforms, and with which the LD module (10) is pressed from above

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a thermally conductive insulating member (23) which is placed on the cooling plate (21), and on which the LD module (10) is placed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10516249B2Laser oscillator

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 FANUC LTD

AI summary

To provide a laser oscillator, in which an LD module is fixed to a cooling plate through insulated fixation that is superior in durability, cost, and workability in an insulated fixation operation. A laser oscillator includes an LD module. The LD module has one or a plurality of LD light source(s), and is placed on a thermally conductive insulating member placed on a cooling plate. The LD module of the laser oscillator is fixed to the cooling plate, via an elastic insulating member fixed to the cooling plate.