Press Tool Laser Beam Integration for Safe In-Line Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale manufacturing, particularly in the automotive industry, existing laser beam processing systems are not cost-effective for integrating multiple processing steps within existing manufacturing lines, requiring complex and costly setups for laser beam guidance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A tool and method that integrates laser beam processing into a press system, where the upper and lower tools converge to fix components, with internal laser beam exit faces and guides, and a control system to ensure safe laser radiation coupling only during tool closure, eliminating the need for additional radiation protection and complex optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser beam processing is integrated into existing manufacturing lines, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to required radiation protection and complex optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser beam processing system with the press tool by integrating the laser beam guide directly into the tool structure. The laser beam exit face is positioned within the tool's internal space, and the beam guide is coupled with the tool's moving parts, eliminating the need for separate radiation protection housings and complex external optics while maintaining processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The press tool is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs both the mechanical pressing operation and the laser beam processing. The tool structure is adapted to accommodate the laser beam guide and exit face, allowing the same tool to execute forming, cutting, or punching operations followed immediately by laser processing without requiring separate dedicated equipment
2Reliability
If additional radiation protection housing is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation protection function is merged into the tool structure itself. The tool's closed configuration naturally contains the laser beam path, and the laser beam guide is integrated within the tool's internal space, eliminating the need for separate radiation protection housings while maintaining safety through the tool's inherent structural containment
Solution Approach 2:
The tool structure provides its own radiation protection through its closed configuration. The tool's moving parts and internal geometry naturally contain and guide the laser beam, making the system self-protecting without requiring additional dedicated safety components
3Manufacturing precision
If laser beam guide is integrated into tool, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam guide is merged with the tool structure by positioning it within the tool's internal space and coupling it with the tool's moving parts. This integration ensures that the beam guide moves precisely with the tool, maintaining accurate beam positioning on the workpiece without requiring complex external positioning systems
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 cost-effective integration of laser beam processing in existing manufacturing lines with enhanced safety and precision, allowing simultaneous processing at multiple locations without additional buffers or complex optics, improving system utilization and reducing quality issues.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser beam guide (310) into which laser radiation is capable of being coupled and by way of which said laser radiation is capable of being directed onto a processing location (B2) on the component
Implementation Method 2
Thermal energy is induced into the at least one component (10, 20, 30) at at least one processing location (B1, B2) by way of a laser beam for carrying out component processing
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for laser beam processing is provided. The tool includes an upper tool and a lower tool, which are able to be advanced toward one another by way of a press, such that at least one component is able to be fixed in a predefined position between the upper tool and the lower tool. At least one laser beam exit surface, which is part of an inner surface of the upper tool or lower tool, and at least one laser beam guide, into which laser radiation is able to be coupled and is able to be directed through the laser beam exit surface onto a processing location on the component are provided. A control device, which enables and/or disables the coupling of laser radiation into the at least one laser beam guide depending on the advancing movement between upper tool and lower tool is provided. Furthermore, a laser beam processing apparatus and a method for laser beam processing are also provided.