Monolithic Weighing Structure Laser Machining for Internal Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing methods are ineffective for machining monolithic structures due to difficulty in accessing internal joints and thin areas, resulting in suboptimal material removal and precision issues, especially when target points are not accessible from outside the structure at favorable angles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that deflect and pivot a laser beam from outside the monolithic structure to reach target points within, allowing for precise material removal by moving the processing head in the Z-direction and pivoting around the Z-axis, enabling the processing of hard-to-reach areas with high accuracy and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam is directed from outside the monolithic structure to process internal joints, then material removal can be achieved, but the laser beam cannot reach target points at favorable angles due to unfavorable geometry and high reflections
Solution Approach 1:
A processing head is inserted into the monolithic structure through a recess, allowing the laser beam to be directed from within the structure rather than from outside. This nested approach enables the laser to reach internal joints and thin sections that are inaccessible to external laser beams, solving the geometric accessibility problem while maintaining high machining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The processing head acts as an intermediary device that facilitates laser beam delivery to internal target points. It includes optical components and a laser source positioned within the monolithic structure, enabling precise material removal at locations that would otherwise be inaccessible due to unfavorable beam angles and high reflections
2Productivity
If conventional laser processing is used on internal surfaces, then material removal can occur, but the removal rate is significantly impaired due to high reflections from unfavorable angles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing the laser beam from outside the monolithic structure at unfavorable angles, the laser source is positioned inside the structure through the processing head. This inverted approach eliminates the high reflection problem by allowing the beam to strike internal surfaces from within, significantly improving material removal rate and processing efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the processing head is inserted into the monolithic structure, then access to internal joints is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing head is designed as a multi-functional device that combines laser generation, beam direction, and positioning capabilities in a single insertable unit. This universal design enables the same device to perform multiple operations (machining different internal joints, adjusting beam angles, varying insertion depths) without requiring multiple separate systems, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining excellent accessibility to internal structures
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 approach allows for highly precise material removal over longer distances and at difficult-to-access locations within the monolithic structure, achieving machining accuracy in the submillimeter range and improving the rigidity of levers and joints, which is crucial for precise force measurement applications.
Implementation Method 1
material is removed by means of a laser in the vicinity of an existing thin spot
Implementation Method 2
a deflecting mirror that can be acted upon by a laser beam and is oriented such that the laser beam reflected by the mirror strikes the surface to be exposed at an angle other than 90°
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for laser beam processing of monolithic structures (B) for weighing applications, in which a laser beam (L') directed from the outside onto the structure is guided to a set of target points (P1, P2, ...) of the structure (B) for material removal. The method comprises the following steps: inserting a processing head (K) into a recess (A) extending into the structure (B) in the Z direction, introducing a laser beam (L') into the processing head (K), deflecting the laser beam (L') by deflecting means (U) so that the deflected laser beam (L) reaches a target point (P1, P2, ...), wherein the processing head (K) is moved in the Z direction and/or a pivot axis extending in the Z direction is pivoted.