Movable Collimator Lenses for Laser Cutting Head Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser cutting heads lack the ability to quickly adjust beam spot size and focal point location, which is necessary for various materials processing applications.
Innovation Solution
A laser cutting head with a controllable collimator featuring independently movable lenses and a lens moving mechanism, allowing for precise control of beam diameter and focal point location, coupled with a control system to manage the positions of these lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed collimator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for different beam spot sizes and focal points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic collimator system where lenses can be moved along the optical axis to different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to adapt to different beam spot sizes and focal point requirements by changing the lens configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is divided into multiple movable lens components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of the optical system to achieve different cutting parameters, enabling adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the device for each application.
2Productivity
If fixed focal point is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity for varying material thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable lenses allow dynamic adjustment of the focal point position along the optical axis. When cutting materials of different thicknesses, the focal point can be repositioned to optimize cutting performance, significantly improving productivity across varying material specifications without requiring multiple fixed-focus devices.
3Loss of time
If manual adjustment of beam parameters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption for parameter changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that can rapidly reposition the movable lenses. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical control dramatically reduces the time required to change beam parameters while maintaining precise positioning accuracy.
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 rapid adjustment of beam spot size and focal point location, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of laser machining operations for different materials and thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
collimating the raw laser beam by passing the beam through the first and second movable collimating lenses
Implementation Method 2
focusing the beam by passing the beam through the focus lens toward the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A laser cutting head includes a controllable collimator with movable collimator lenses for controlling beam diameter and/or focal point location. The laser cutting head may be used in a laser cutting system with a control system for controlling the position of the movable collimator lenses. The lenses may be moved, for example, to adjust the beam spot size for cutting different types of material or material thicknesses. The lenses may also be moved to adjust a focal point back to the workpiece after changing the distance of the laser cutting head relative to the workpiece.