Mobile Laser Shielding for Flatbed Cutting Machine Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power flatbed laser cutting machines face challenges in protecting the machine base and surrounding areas from unused laser radiation, which can cause damage due to the high reflectance and absorption inefficiencies of thick workpieces, leading to residual radiation being directed downward and potentially damaging the machine base.
Innovation Solution
A mobile protection structure is coupled to the laser cutting head, moving synchronously in horizontal directions to intercept and absorb or redirect residual laser radiation, utilizing heat conductive materials and active cooling to manage heat and prevent damage, and can be easily replaced or integrated into existing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power laser cutting machines are used to cut thick workpieces, then cutting capability is improved, but residual laser radiation damages the machine base
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile protection structure acts as an intermediary element positioned between the laser cutting head and the machine base. This structure intercepts residual laser radiation that is reflected or not absorbed by the workpiece, preventing it from reaching and damaging the machine base. The protection structure moves synchronously with the laser cutting head to maintain effective coverage throughout the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile protection structure converts the harmful residual laser radiation into beneficial thermal energy by absorbing it. The absorbed radiation is then dissipated through heat conduction along the protection structure and into the workpiece area, transforming a potentially damaging factor into a controlled thermal process that supports the cutting operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection structure is added to block laser radiation, then machine base protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection structure is designed to be mobile rather than stationary, moving synchronously with the laser cutting head in horizontal directions. This dynamic design allows the protection structure to follow the laser beam's position, providing effective protection only where and when needed, rather than requiring a permanent enclosure throughout the entire machine base area.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile protection structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks residual laser radiation from reaching the machine base, acts as a heat sink to absorb and dissipate thermal energy, and can be integrated with the existing laser cutting head mounting system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protection systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mobile protection structure is used to follow laser head movements, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile protection structure is mechanically coupled to the laser cutting head, merging their movement systems. The protection structure utilizes the existing drive mechanisms and motion control systems of the laser cutting head to achieve synchronized movement, rather than requiring independent drive systems. This integration reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate mobile protection systems.
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 mobile protection structure effectively absorbs and dissipates residual laser radiation, preventing hot spots and damage to the machine base, while allowing for efficient operation at high powers by ensuring that unused radiation is managed and directed away from critical components.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile protection structure effectively absorbs and dissipates residual laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing heat conductive materials and active cooling to manage heat
Implementation Method 3
active cooling to manage heat and prevent damage
Implementation Method 4
Many materials to be cut are metals, which often have a high reflectance, whereby the portion of reflected radiation is high. the majority of the reflected radiation is reflected into a downward direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~10
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a flatbed laser cutting machine (1). The flatbed laser cutting machine has a machine base and a workpiece support defining a horizontal area of support for a workpiece (5). It further comprises a laser cutting head (210) placed above the area of support and equipped to emit a laser cutting beam (3) towards a workpiece supported by the workpiece support and to be moved in horizontal directions relative to the workpiece (5) and the workpiece support. Further, it comprises a mobile protection structure (90) that underneath the area of support, the mobile protection structure being coupled to the laser cutting head to join in movements of the laser cutting head so as to protect the machine base.