Optical Machining Head with Integrated Surface Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical processing systems require independent adjustments for measurement devices due to their separate inspection optical systems, which complicates the inspection of process surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An optical processing head and apparatus that integrates a light guide portion and an inspection portion, using rays of different wavelengths for processing and inspection, allowing for simultaneous guidance and inspection without interference, and enabling easy adjustment and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an independent measurement device with a separate inspection optical system is used, then the process surface can be inspected, but independent adjustment is required and the system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measurement device and the optical processing head into a single integrated system. The inspection optical system and the processing optical system are merged into one unified optical head, eliminating the need for separate independent adjustment of measurement devices while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical processing head is designed to perform multiple functions: both optical processing (guiding the processing ray) and inspection (detecting process surface state) are accomplished through the same integrated device, making it a universal tool that eliminates the need for separate measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If rays of the same wavelength are used for both processing and inspection, then a single optical system can be used, but interference and noise occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical system integrationVSAvoidnoise and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different wavelengths (different local properties) to different functions within the same optical system. The processing ray uses one wavelength optimized for material processing, while the inspection ray uses a different wavelength optimized for detection, allowing both functions to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the rays used for different purposes. By using rays of different wavelengths for processing and inspection respectively, the system avoids interference while maintaining integration, as the different wavelengths can be selectively filtered and detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates easy inspection of process surface states, such as tilt and processing material concentration, improving processing accuracy and reducing noise and interference.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide portion (101) that guides a ray (111, 112) for processing and an inspection ray (112) to a process surface (120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an inspection portion (102) that inspects a state of the process surface (120) from reflected light (113) of the inspection ray (112) reflected by the process surface (120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3095549B1Optical machining head, optical machining device, optical machining device control method, and optical machining device control program
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3095549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3095549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3095549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This specification discloses an optical processing head including a light guide portion that guides, to a process surface, a ray for processing. The light guide portion is further configured to guide, to the process surface, a ray for inspection different in wavelength from the ray for processing. The optical processing head further includes an inspection portion that inspects the state of the process surface based on reflected light of the ray for inspection reflected by the process surface. With the optical processing head, the state of the process surface can be easily inspected even during optical processing.