Modular Service Shelf for Safe Single-Person Laser Module Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heavy weight of industrial laser modules makes them difficult to install and service safely and efficiently, requiring mechanical assistance or multiple personnel, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A modular service shelf that can be attached at various heights within the laser system, allowing a single technician to safely and efficiently remove and service modules by supporting their weight, with detachable sections for easy assembly and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser modules are mounted in a rack system at various heights, then the laser system can be compact and organized, but servicing the modules becomes difficult and dangerous due to their heavy weight and inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
A service shelf is introduced as an intermediary component between the rack and the technician. The shelf is attached to the rack at various heights and provides a stable platform that supports the heavy laser module during removal and servicing operations, eliminating the need for external lifting equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The service shelf is designed as a modular, detachable structure that can be configured for different rack heights and module positions. The shelf components can be assembled and disassembled as needed, providing flexibility for servicing modules at various locations within the rack system
2Power
If heavy laser modules weighing over 100 lbs are used, then the laser system achieves higher power and performance, but mechanical assistance or multiple personnel are required for safe handling
Solution Approach 1:
The service shelf acts as a load-bearing intermediary that transfers the weight of heavy laser modules from the technician to the rack structure. The shelf is designed to support modules weighing over 100 lbs, allowing a single technician to service high-power modules without requiring additional personnel or mechanical lifting equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The service shelf is positioned at the same height as the laser module being serviced, creating an equipotential working condition. This eliminates the need for the technician to lift or lower heavy modules vertically, reducing physical strain and enabling safe handling of high-power modules by a single person
3Reliability
If multiple personnel are sent to service laser modules, then safe handling of heavy modules is ensured, but resource costs and service time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service shelf serves as a fixed intermediary support structure that remains attached to the rack. This eliminates the need for multiple technicians to provide mutual support during module handling, as the shelf provides stable, reliable support for the module's weight, allowing a single technician to work safely and efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The service shelf is designed to be permanently attached to the rack system, making the rack itself self-supporting for module servicing operations. The structural integrity of the rack-shelf assembly provides inherent safety without requiring additional personnel, reducing service time and resource costs while maintaining reliable safe handling
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module service shelf is generally presented. In some embodiments, a laser system includes a rack including a stack of slots to support a plurality of laser modules in first positions within the rack, wherein the rack comprises a pair of struts extending at opposite sides of an opening in the rack through which the laser modules may pass, and a module service shelf attachable to the struts to support a weight of one of the laser modules in a second position that is cantilevered from the rack in alignment with the opening and one of the slots, wherein the module service shelf comprises a plurality of detachable sections. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.