Parallel Mirror Beam Offset for Fast Laser Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser material processing devices are limited in their ability to rapidly and precisely adjust the angle of incidence of the laser beam axis, restricting processing speed and flexibility, especially in producing complex shapes like conical bores.

Innovation Solution

A device with a beam deflection unit and a parallel offset unit featuring at least three rotating mirrors, allowing for large parallel offsets with minimal rotation, enabling flexible and rapid adjustment of the laser beam's angle of incidence and path guidance, along with a focusing device for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If plane-parallel plates are rotated to adjust the angle of incidence, then the angle of incidence can be adjusted, but the adjustment speed is limited due to the inertia of thick plates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speed of laser beam axisVSAvoidprecision of angle control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of thick plane-parallel plates with a different optical mechanism that achieves angle adjustment without the inertia limitations of massive mechanical components. This substitution enables faster adjustment speeds while maintaining precision through an alternative physical approach to beam angle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of how angle adjustment is achieved - instead of rotating heavy plates by large angles, the system uses a mechanism that achieves the same effect with different physical parameters, enabling rapid adjustment without compromising angle control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If large parallel displacements are generated using plane-parallel plates, then the beam can be offset, but relatively thick and inert plates must be used which limit adjustment speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel displacement of laser beamVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of thick plane-parallel plates with an alternative optical mechanism that achieves the same parallel displacement function without the inertia penalty. This allows large beam offsets to be achieved rapidly, resolving the contradiction between displacement magnitude and adjustment speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the angle adjustment function into multiple smaller optical components or stages, where each component contributes to the overall beam offset. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large total displacements through coordinated action of lighter components rather than requiring a single heavy plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the angle of incidence is adjusted using existing devices, then some angle control is achieved, but the processing speed remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of angle of incidenceVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the existing mechanical angle adjustment system with a new mechanism that decouples precision from speed limitations. The substitution enables the system to maintain manufacturing precision for angle of incidence while achieving higher processing speeds through a mechanism with reduced inertia and faster response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic capabilities to the angle adjustment system, allowing rapid changes in the angle of incidence during processing. The new mechanism enables real-time dynamic adjustment of beam angle while maintaining precision, thereby increasing overall processing productivity compared to static or slowly-responsive systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 setup enables faster processing speeds, precise angle control, and the ability to produce complex shapes like conical bores, significantly improving the efficiency of laser material processing.

Implementation Method 1

a parallel offset unit (or a parallel displacement unit, hereinafter referred to as a parallel offset unit) with at least three reflecting mirrors, wherein one reflecting mirror of the at least three reflecting mirrors is rotatable for parallel offset (or parallel displacement) of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The beam deflection unit optionally features two reflective mirrors arranged to deflect the laser beam along two directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a focusing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3932609B1Device for laser material processing with two parallel shifting units of the laser beam
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 SCANLAB GMBH
  • EP3932609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932609B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3932609B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for laser material processing with a beam deflection unit (16) for deflecting a laser beam, two parallel offset units (14), each having at least three reflective mirrors, wherein one of the at least three reflective mirrors is rotatable for parallel offset of the laser beam, and a focusing device (18) for focusing the laser beam onto a workpiece (20) to be processed.