Pin-Hole Laser Motion Measurement for High-Speed Beam Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser processing systems, particularly those with high-speed motion capabilities, lack accurate and efficient methods for analyzing laser beam characteristics such as travel speed, velocity, and acceleration, which are crucial for ensuring precise and optimized laser processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing multiple pin-hole sensors positioned within a predetermined field of view to measure the travel distance and time of a laser beam, allowing for the calculation of velocity and acceleration by determining the locations and times of the sensors, and using these measurements to define travel distances and times to calculate the laser beam's characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed motion capability is implemented in laser processing systems, then productivity and processing speed are improved, but measurement precision of laser beam characteristics deteriorates due to lack of accurate analysis methods
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into multiple discrete sensor positions, with each pin-hole sensor detecting laser characteristics at a specific location. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters (position, intensity, timing) across different spatial points, enabling accurate velocity and acceleration calculations even at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
Pin-hole sensors serve as intermediary detection elements that convert laser beam characteristics into measurable signals. The pin-holes act as spatial filters and the sensors convert optical energy to electrical signals, providing precise measurement of laser position and intensity at high speeds without directly interfering with the laser processing operation
2Measurement precision
If multiple pin-hole sensors are positioned within the field of view to measure travel distance and time, then measurement precision of laser beam characteristics is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin-hole sensor array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures laser position, intensity, timing, velocity, and acceleration. The same sensor positions used for spatial measurement also provide temporal information when combined with timing signals, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges spatial measurement (pin-hole positions) with temporal measurement (timing signals) into a unified measurement framework. By combining position data from multiple pin-holes with time-of-flight measurements, the system calculates velocity and acceleration without requiring separate measurement devices, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
3Manufacturing precision
If accurate analysis of laser beam characteristics is performed, then manufacturing precision of laser processing is improved, but loss of time in measurement and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin-hole sensors and timing system are pre-configured and calibrated before laser processing begins. Sensor positions are predetermined, and the measurement system is ready to capture data in real-time during laser operation, eliminating setup time and enabling immediate analysis without interrupting the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system operates continuously during laser processing, with pin-hole sensors constantly monitoring laser beam characteristics as the laser moves through the workpiece. This continuous measurement approach provides real-time data for precision control without requiring separate measurement cycles, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while minimizing time loss
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 accurate analysis of laser beam characteristics, ensuring high-speed laser motion systems operate within accepted quality standards, improving the precision and efficiency of laser processing techniques like laser beam welding and powder bed fusion.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a first pin-hole sensor within a predetermined field of view of the laser, and determining a location of the first pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view; positioning a second pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view, and determining a location of the second pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for analyzing laser beam characteristics in high-speed laser motion systems, wherein the characteristics include laser travel speed, velocity, and acceleration, wherein the high-speed laser motion systems comprise a laser for generating a laser beam, comprising determining a location of the first pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view; determining a location of the second pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view; defining a travel distance of the laser beam; measuring the amount of time to travel from the location of the first pin-hole sensor to the location of the second pin-hole sensor; and dividing the travel distance by the amount of time to travel from the location of the first pin-hole sensor to the location of the second pin-hole sensor to calculate the velocity of the laser beam between the first pin-hole sensor and the second pin-hole sensor.