Multi-Beam Optical Scanning for Precise 3D Material Deposition

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in accurately controlling the emission of multiple light beams for precise processes like material deposition and three-dimensional modeling, leading to complex device configurations and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flying apparatus that emits multiple light beams, including a flying laser beam and a fixing laser beam, which are spatially and temporally related, using a common optical scanner like a polygon mirror to ensure precise alignment and timing, simplifying the device configuration and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate light beam emission systems are used to achieve precise material deposition and three-dimensional modeling, then processing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light beam emission systems into a single integrated apparatus that can emit multiple light beams simultaneously or sequentially. The light beam emission system includes multiple laser sources (first laser, second laser, third laser) that are controlled by a centralized control unit, allowing precise material deposition and three-dimensional modeling without requiring separate complex systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light beam emission system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified platform. The same apparatus can emit preheating laser beams, main heating laser beams, and other types of light beams for different processing stages, making the system universal and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high processing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate light beam emission systems are used to achieve precise material deposition and three-dimensional modeling, then processing precision is improved, but device costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoiddevice costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light beam emission systems into a single integrated apparatus that can emit multiple light beams simultaneously or sequentially. The light beam emission system includes multiple laser sources (first laser, second laser, third laser) that are controlled by a centralized control unit, allowing precise material deposition and three-dimensional modeling without requiring separate complex systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light beam emission system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified platform. The same apparatus can emit preheating laser beams, main heating laser beams, and other types of light beams for different processing stages, making the system universal and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If complex control systems are used to manage multiple light beams, then light beam control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight beam control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control unit that receives feedback signals from detectors and other sensing components to adjust the emission timing, intensity, and positioning of multiple light beams. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of light beams for material deposition and three-dimensional modeling while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate and easy control of light beams, enhancing the precision of material deposition and three-dimensional modeling processes while reducing device complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

an irradiation target is irradiated with a light beam so as to cause the irradiation target to fly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an irradiation target is irradiated with a light beam so as to cause the irradiation target to fly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation pressure: Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 3

the irradiation target landed on the adherence target is irradiated with a light beam so as to be heated and melted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

the irradiation target landed on the adherence target is irradiated with a light beam so as to be heated and melted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3800033B1Irradiation target flying apparatus, three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and irradiation target flying method

Publication Date: 2024.08.21 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus includes a light emitter (2) configured to emit multiple light beams including at least a first light beam (211) and a second light beam (221), and an optical scanner (27) configured to scan the multiple light beams. The light emitter is configured to cause an irradiation target (11) to fly by using the first light beam among the multiple light beams.