Multi-Angle Process-Zone Imaging for Laser Cutting Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices for laser machine tools provide insufficient information about the process zone due to limited imaging angles, leading to inaccuracies and loss of crucial data, particularly in laser cutting processes.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with an optical imaging system that includes multiple apertures and lenses to image light beams at different angles simultaneously and separately on an image sensor, allowing for a three-dimensional analysis of the process zone, including features like directional lenses, rotational decouplings, and optical subsystems to enhance imaging accuracy and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single aperture and imaging lens are used to image the process zone, then the device structure is simple, but the imaging angle is limited and crucial information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system is segmented into multiple apertures (first aperture, second aperture) that are radially spaced from the system axis. Each aperture captures light beams from different imaging angles, dividing the imaging task into separate angular channels to preserve comprehensive process zone information
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-angle imaging to multi-angle imaging by adding the angular dimension. Multiple apertures positioned at different radial distances create distinct imaging angles, transforming the imaging process from one-dimensional (single viewpoint) to two-dimensional (multiple viewpoints) observation
2Measurement precision
If multiple apertures and imaging lenses are used to image light beams at different angles simultaneously, then the imaging accuracy and geometric visibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system is divided into multiple independent imaging channels, each consisting of an aperture and imaging lens combination. The first aperture with its imaging lens handles one imaging angle, while the second aperture with its imaging lens handles another angle, allowing precise multi-angle measurement without requiring a single complex imaging path
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging lenses act as intermediaries between the different angular light beams and the image sensor. Each lens focuses light from its corresponding aperture onto a specific region of the sensor, mediating the transition from angularly-separated beams to spatially-separated images
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical imaging system images light beams from different angles, then the geometric visibility of the process zone is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds angular versatility by positioning apertures at different radial distances from the system axis. This creates multiple imaging angles that provide enhanced geometric visibility of the process zone, transforming a single-viewpoint system into a multi-viewpoint observation system
Solution Approach 2:
The optical imaging system achieves multi-functionality by capturing light beams from multiple imaging angles simultaneously. This universal capability allows the system to adapt to different process zone geometries and material thicknesses, providing versatile observation for various laser processing conditions
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 reliable determination of process variables such as processing front length, temperature distribution, and plasma formation, improving the quality of laser processing by avoiding cutting errors through enhanced geometric visibility and spatially separated imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging lens arranged between the first aperture and/or the second aperture and the image sensor. The first imaging lens is configured to image the first light beams and the second light beams on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for imaging a process zone of a laser machine tool includes an image sensor and an optical imaging system. The optical imaging system includes a system axis extending between the image sensor and the process zone, a first aperture spaced radially from the system axis and delimiting first light beams emitted from the process zone at a first imaging angle, a second aperture delimiting second light beams emitted from the process zone at a second imaging angle, and a first imaging lens arranged between the first and/or the second aperture and the image sensor and configured to image the first light beams and the second light beams on the image sensor. The first imaging angle is different from the second imaging angle. The optical imaging system is configured to image the first light beams spatially separately from the second light beams.