Laser Marking Head Housing With Isolated Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser marking systems face challenges with overheating due to the compact size of the marking head, which limits heat dissipation, and the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with products generates debris that can damage the head if not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
A housing design for the marking head that incorporates a fluid path to isolate cooling fluid from the optical path, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and debris removal, featuring channels that direct cooling fluid around the components to effectively cool them while preventing interference with the radiation beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the marking head is made smaller to reduce size, then the compactness is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections with separate channels for different functions: a first channel for fluid flow, a second channel for optical beam passage, and a third channel for cooling. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function within the compact housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the housing, creating channels that extend in different directions and dimensions. The first channel extends in a first direction, the second channel in a second direction, enabling efficient use of internal volume for both cooling and optical functions.
2Temperature
If cooling fluid is directed through the housing to cool components, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of fluid interference with the optical path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing contains separate segmented channels: the first channel carries cooling fluid away from components, while the second channel allows the optical beam to pass through. This segmentation ensures that cooling fluid and optical beams operate in separate spatial zones, preventing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure itself acts as an intermediary that mediates between the cooling function and the optical function. By providing separate dedicated channels within the housing, it ensures that cooling fluid flow does not interfere with the optical beam path while still achieving effective cooling.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple components are placed closer together to reduce head size, then the compactness is improved, but the heat generation and overheating risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple functional zones with dedicated channels. Each component can be placed in specific zones with access to cooling channels, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining effective cooling pathways for each heat-generating component.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are arranged in three-dimensional space within the housing, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions. Cooling channels are positioned to access components from multiple directions, enabling effective cooling even when components are densely packed in the compact housing volume.
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
The solution enables a more compact and efficient cooling system that prevents overheating and effectively manages debris, allowing for closer component placement and improved performance in laser marking systems.
Implementation Method 1
When cooling fluid such as compressed air is received by the housing and flows through the third channel, the cooling fluid passes over the component to cool it.
Implementation Method 2
the first channel, second channel and third channel are configured to isolate the fluid from the optical path of the radiation beam within the head.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a housing for a head for directing an electromagnetic radiation beam at a target, the housing comprising: an inlet for receiving a fluid; a cavity for enclosing at least one component for controlling the optical path of the radiation beam within the marking head; an outlet for the fluid; a first channel defining a first fluid path from the inlet to the cavity; and a second channel defining a second fluid path from the cavity to the outlet. When the at least one component for controlling the optical path of the radiation beam is enclosed within the cavity, the housing and the at least one component further define a third channel between the first channel and the second channel. The first channel, second channel and third channel are configured to isolate the fluid from the optical path of the radiation beam within the head. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a head for directing an electromagnetic radiation beam at a target.