Polygon Mirror Lightguide for Line-Width Laser Spot Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light scanning technologies are unable to disperse the position of an irradiated area in the line width direction without moving the irradiation target, particularly when processing circular or point-shaped areas or reading information.

Innovation Solution

A light guide device comprising a first light guide part, a rotatable polygon mirror with multiple reflective surfaces, and an adjustment part that changes the position and orientation of optical components to offset the optical axis of the light incident on the polygon mirror, allowing the irradiated area to be distributed in the line width direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional light scanning technology is used to process circular or point-shaped areas, then the irradiation target must be moved to disperse the irradiated area, but this increases device complexity and reduces processing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new degree of freedom by adjusting the optical axis position in the rotation axis direction (perpendicular to the scanning direction). This allows the irradiated area to be dispersed in the line width direction through optical axis offset, eliminating the need to move the irradiation target and thereby improving processing efficiency without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical axis position parameter in the rotation axis direction to control the distribution of the irradiated area. By adjusting this parameter, the system can process circular or point-shaped areas efficiently without moving the target, thus improving productivity while maintaining simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the optical axis position is fixed, then the light irradiation position is stable, but the irradiated area cannot be dispersed in the line width direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiated area distribution capabilityVSAvoidoptical axis position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical axis position adjustable in the rotation axis direction through the adjustment part, allowing the system to adapt to different processing requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables versatile irradiated area distribution while maintaining precise control, thus improving adaptability without compromising manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the irradiation target is moved to disperse the irradiated area, then position distribution is achieved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the irradiation target with an optical adjustment mechanism. By changing the optical axis position through the adjustment part, the system achieves irradiated area dispersion without moving the target, thereby reducing processing time and improving productivity

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

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 the distribution of the irradiated area's position in the line width direction without moving the irradiation target, enhancing processing efficiency and preventing process saturation by maintaining a consistent energy transfer during laser processing.

Implementation Method 1

The first light guide part reflects and guides a light emitted from a light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The light guided by the first light guide part is reflected by the rotating reflective part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The second light guide part reflects the light reflected by the reflective part of the polygon mirror and guides the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3812825B1Lightguide device and laser processing device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3812825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812825B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3812825B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The light guide device (13) includes a first light guide part (20), a polygon mirror (30), a second light guide part (40), and an adjustment part (60). The first light guide part (20) reflects and guides the laser light emitted from the laser generator. The polygon mirror (30) has a reflective part (33), and the reflective part (33) reflects the laser light guided by the first light guide part (20) while the reflective part (33) rotates. The second light guide part (40) reflects the laser light reflected at the reflective part (33) of the polygon mirror (30) and directs the light so that the laser light is illuminated to the workpiece (100) at each reflective part (33), respectively. The adjustment part (60) adjusts the position of the light incident on the polygon mirror (30) in the rotation axis (31) direction of the optical axis, thereby changing the positions of light incident on the irradiation target (100) in the line width direction. The irradiation target (100) is irradiated with the light while the position of the light in a line width direction.