Movable Lens Laser Processing Machine for Variable Plate Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing machines require component replacement to cut both thick and thin plates, leading to increased costs and complexity due to differing processing conditions for plate materials with varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing machine with movable lenses (positive, negative, and focusing lenses) controlled by a driver system to adjust beam diameter and focal position, allowing for cutting of plate materials with varying thicknesses without replacing components, by converting divergent light into convergent, then parallel, and focusing the laser beam accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If component replacement (lens or processing nozzle) is performed to cut both thick and thin plates, then cutting capability for different plate thicknesses is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical system that can process both thick and thin plates using the same lens and processing nozzle. By making the first and second lenses movable along the optical axis and controlling their positions according to plate thickness, a single optical system achieves multiple processing functions that previously required component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of lens positions along the optical axis to adapt the optical system for different plate thicknesses. The first lens (positive focal length) and second lens (negative focal length) can be moved to different positions, and the controller adjusts their separation distance based on the target plate thickness, enabling dynamic adaptation without physical component replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If component replacement is performed to adapt to different plate thicknesses, then processing adaptability is improved, but operation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system enables dynamic adaptation to different plate thicknesses through motor-driven lens position adjustment. The controller receives plate thickness information and automatically positions the first and second lenses at appropriate locations, eliminating the manual component replacement process and reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (lens positions and separation distance) based on plate thickness requirements. By adjusting the positional parameters of existing components rather than replacing them, the system rapidly adapts to different processing conditions without the time loss associated with physical component changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If beam diameter is adjusted for different plate thicknesses, then cutting precision is improved, but optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam diameter is dynamically adjusted by changing the separation distance between the first and second lenses. As the plates become thinner, the lenses are positioned closer together, which increases the beam diameter incident on the third lens and decreases the focused beam diameter, thereby improving cutting precision for thin plates without adding complex optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves beam diameter adjustment through parameter changes in the existing optical configuration. By varying the distance between the first and second lenses, the beam parameters (diameter and convergence) are modified to match the requirements of different plate thicknesses, improving precision without increasing optical system complexity.
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 cutting of plate materials with a predetermined range of thicknesses without component replacement, maintaining a fixed focal position and adjusting beam diameter based on plate thickness, thus simplifying operations and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens that is movable in an optical axis direction and having a positive focal length, and configured to convert divergent light of a laser beam emitted from an emission end of the laser beam into convergent light
Implementation Method 2
a second lens that is movable in the optical axis direction and having a negative focal length on which the convergent light is incident; and configured to convert the convergent light into parallel light
Implementation Method 3
a third lens having a positive focal length, configured to focus the laser beam emitted from the second lens, and to irradiate a plate material with the focused laser beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser cutting machine includes a convex lens (28) having a positive focal length, a concave lens (30) having a negative focal length, and a focusing lens (27) having a positive focal length. The convex lens (28) is movable in an optical axis direction and converts divergent light of a laser beam emitted from a laser beam emission end (12e) into convergent light. The concave lens (30) is movable in the optical axis direction and is disposed at a position that is shifted from a position (Pf28) where the convergent light is focused toward the convex lens (28) side by the same distance as the focal length of the concave lens (30) according to a position of the convex lens (28) in the optical axis direction. The concave lens (30) converts the convergent light into parallel light. The focusing lens (27) focuses the laser beam emitted from the concave lens (30) and irradiates a plate material (Wl) with the focused laser beam.