Modular Laser Scanner with Universal Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanner devices for laser material processing require multiple heavy and complex aperture-specific mounting plates for different laser beam diameters, leading to high production costs and complex handling, as well as reduced flexibility in adapting to varying beam geometries.
Innovation Solution
A modular scanner device with a universal carrier and interchangeable motor-mirror units featuring assembly flanges with identical abutment faces, allowing for secure attachment of different-sized and positioned motor-mirror units to the same carrier, enabling efficient deflection of laser beams with varying diameters without the need for multiple mounting plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aperture-specific mounting plates are used for different laser beam diameters, then the scanner device can be adapted to different beam geometries, but the production costs increase and handling becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting plate design that can accommodate motor-mirror units with different mirror diameters through standardized assembly flanges. The mounting plate includes multiple receiving openings and assembly faces that allow interchangeable mounting of different motor-mirror units without requiring aperture-specific plates, thereby achieving multi-functionality and reducing the number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aperture-specific mounting plates are used for different laser beam diameters, then the scanner device can be adapted to different beam geometries, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal mounting plate serves multiple functions by accommodating different motor-mirror units through standardized interfaces. Instead of manufacturing multiple specialized mounting plates for different apertures, a single universal plate design is produced, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining the ability to adapt to different beam diameters through interchangeable motor-mirror units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors with different sizes and spacings are used for different beam diameters, then the scanner device can handle varying beam geometries, but the structural adaptation becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanner device into modular components: a universal mounting plate and interchangeable motor-mirror units. This segmentation allows the motor-mirror units to be independently selected and replaced based on the required beam diameter, while the mounting plate structure remains constant. The assembly flanges with identical abutment faces enable easy identification and correct positioning of the modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal mounting plate provides a standardized interface that works with all motor-mirror units regardless of their specific mirror diameter. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting plates and reduces structural adaptation complexity when changing between different beam geometries.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aperture-specific mounting plates are used, then different beam diameters can be accommodated, but the handling and replacement process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design separates the mounting plate from the motor-mirror units, allowing independent handling of each component. The standardized assembly flanges with identical abutment faces on all motor-mirror units enable intuitive identification and straightforward replacement without complex procedures, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner device configured for 2-dimensional deflection of a laser beam by mirrors that are each pivotably supported about an axis and that are driven in a motorized manner, includes a first motor-mirror unit that has a first mirror and a drive motor, and a carrier for securing the first motor-mirror unit. The first motor-mirror unit is selected from one of two different possible motor-mirror units, each of which has an assembly flange, an identical abutment face, and can be selectively releasably secured with the abutment faces to the same first assembly face of the carrier. The two different possible motor-mirror units differ from each other with respect to the mirror size and/or mirror position in the carrier.