Parallel Mirror Beam Offset for Fast Laser Incidence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser material processing devices are limited in their ability to adjust the angle of incidence of the laser beam axis quickly and independently of the beam's path, restricting processing speed and flexibility, especially in producing complex shapes like conical bores.

Innovation Solution

A device with a beam deflection unit using three reflecting mirrors for parallel offset, allowing for large beam shifts with minimal mirror rotation, combined with a beam deflection unit for two-dimensional deflection, enabling precise and rapid adjustment of the laser beam's angle and path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If plane-parallel plates are used for parallel beam displacement, then beam shift can be achieved, but the plates must be relatively thick and slow, limiting adjustment speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam shift precisionVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of thick plane-parallel plates with a rotatable reflecting mirror that uses optical reflection to achieve parallel beam displacement. This substitution allows for faster adjustment speeds while maintaining precise beam shift control, as the mirror can rotate more quickly than thick plates can be mechanically displaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the optical component from thick plane-parallel plates to thin rotatable mirrors. By altering the component geometry and using reflection instead of refraction, the system achieves the same beam displacement function with significantly improved adjustment speed and reduced inertia.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If plane-parallel plates are rotated through large angles to generate large parallel shifts, then beam displacement increases, but adjustment speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel shift magnitudeVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of thick plates with a rotatable reflecting mirror system. The mirror can achieve large angular rotations quickly due to its low moment of inertia, enabling large parallel shifts to be generated at high speeds rather than requiring slow, large-angle plate rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using a rotatable mirror that can independently control beam displacement in one dimension through angular rotation, while a beam deflection unit handles the other dimension. This separation allows for rapid adjustment without the trade-off between shift magnitude and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the angle of incidence is adjusted using existing devices, then beam angle control is achieved, but the adjustment is limited and not independent of beam path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle of incidence control precisionVSAvoidindependent adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam control function into two independent units: a parallel offset unit for controlling the angle of incidence and a beam deflection unit for controlling the beam path. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function and enables independent adjustment of angle and path without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a parallel offset unit with a rotatable mirror as an intermediary component between the laser source and the beam deflection unit. This intermediary enables precise angle of incidence control while maintaining the independence of beam path control, allowing flexible adaptation to different processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 setup allows for faster processing speeds and precise control over the laser beam's angle and path, enabling the production of complex shapes like conical bores with improved efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a parallel offset unit (14) with three reflecting mirrors, one reflecting mirror of the three reflecting mirrors being rotatable for parallel offset (or parallel displacement) of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The beam deflection unit has two reflecting mirrors arranged in such a way that the laser beam can be deflected along two directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

having a focusing device (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3154740B1Laser machining apparatus comprising a parallel displacement unit
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 SCANLAB GMBH
  • EP3154740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3154740B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3154740B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a laser machining apparatus comprising a beam deflection unit (16) for deflecting a laser beam, a parallel displacement unit (14) having at least three reflecting mirrors, one reflecting mirror of the at least three reflecting mirrors being rotatable to effect the parallel displacement of the laser beam, and a focusing device (18) for focusing the laser beam onto a workpiece (20) to be machined.