Mirror-Directed Laser Beam Layout for Uniform Multi-Angle Workpiece Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser processing devices require multiple independent lasers to achieve even surface processing of workpieces, which is complex, expensive, and inefficient for varying geometries, especially in dynamic and continuous operations.

Innovation Solution

A processing device with a minimum number of generating devices for laser beams, utilizing mirrors to direct beams from different irradiation directions, allowing for individual adjustment of beam paths and parameters to ensure all-round, even processing of workpieces, including rotationally symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple independent lasers are used to process workpieces from different angles, then even surface processing is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface processing uniformityVSAvoidnumber of lasers
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser beams from a single laser source by using beam splitting optics and mirrors to direct the divided beams onto the workpiece from different angles. This merging approach achieves multi-angle processing capability while reducing device complexity and cost compared to using multiple independent lasers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments a single laser beam into multiple beams using beam splitting optics, then directs each segment onto different areas of the workpiece. This segmentation allows one laser source to perform the function of multiple lasers, reducing system complexity while maintaining processing uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent lasers are positioned for different beam directions, then all-round irradiation is achieved, but adjustment effort for different workpiece geometries increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing different geometriesVSAvoidrepositioning and adjustment effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal processing system where a single laser source with beam splitting and mirror arrangement can handle various workpiece geometries. The system's multi-functional design allows it to adapt to different processing requirements without requiring repositioning of multiple independent lasers, as the beam division and direction control are integrated into one adaptable unit.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple independent lasers are used, then focal length consistency is required for all lasers, but individual focusing increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal length consistencyVSAvoidindividual focusing adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focusing function into a single optical path from one laser source. Since all beam segments originate from the same laser and pass through coordinated optical elements, focal length consistency is inherently maintained without requiring individual focusing adjustment of multiple independent lasers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient, cost-effective, and flexible processing of workpieces on all sides with reduced complexity, accommodating various geometries and dynamic operations, such as continuous wire stripping and welding, by using a single or multiple generating devices with strategically positioned mirrors.

Implementation Method 1

a number of mirrors (31, 32, 33, 34) are assigned to at least one generating device (11) for generating laser beams (50). The generated laser beams (50) are irradiated via the individual mirrors (31, 32, 33, 34) from different beam directions (irradiation directions) into a processing zone (36)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The laser radiation removes the paint from the wire at the designated points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

the paint is stripped at the respective designated points using laser radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3603872B1Device and method for processing a workpiece by means of a laser beam
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 CLEAN LASERSYST
  • EP3603872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3603872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3603872B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a processing device (10) and a method for processing a workpiece (100) by means of laser radiation, comprising at least one generating device (11) for generating laser beams (50), a beam pointing device (30) associated with the at least one generating device (11) for directing the generated laser beams (50) from several different beam directions into a processing zone (36) which is designed to receive the workpiece (100) to be processed, wherein the beam pointing device (30) is provided such that the focus (35) of the laser beams (50) directed from the different beam directions lies in a focus zone (37) which corresponds to the processing zone (36).To achieve a structurally simple solution, the beaming device (30) is provided with a number of mirrors (31, 32, 33, 34) which are arranged for directing the laser beams (50) in different directions. The mirrors (31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged in the beam path of the laser beams (50) between an exit point (18) of the laser beams (50) from at least one generating device (11) and the focus (35) of the laser beams (50). The at least one generating device (11) is designed to direct the generated laser beams (50) selectively or in a predetermined processing sequence into the processing zone (36) via the mirrors (31, 32, 33, 34). Preferably, the beam path of the laser beams (50) between the exit point (18) of the laser beams (50) via each of the mirrors (31, 32, 33, 34) to the focus (35) of the laser beams (50) is of equal length.