Retroreflective Laser Machining Optics for Angled Hole Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining devices using laser beams for creating holes or cuts face complexity and inefficiency due to the need for elaborate optical systems and driving mechanisms to achieve precise angular control, which increases size, weight, and maintenance costs, and often result in lateral sides of holes or cuts being offset from the surface normal.
Innovation Solution
A machining device employing a retroreflection system and a movable mirror that allows for two-dimensional spatial offset control of the light beam, enabling precise angular adjustments without the need for complex compensating optical systems, using simpler driving means like brushless motors or piezoelectric stages, and maintaining polarization to improve machining quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser beam is directed perpendicularly to the target surface, then the machining process is simple, but the lateral sides of the hole or cut edge are offset by an angle of about 4° relative to the surface normal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by directing the laser beam at an angle greater than 4° relative to the surface normal, rather than perpendicularly. This asymmetric incidence angle compensates for the natural conicity induced during machining, allowing the lateral sides of the hole or cut edge to be perpendicular to the target surface despite the angled beam direction.
2Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam is directed at an angle greater than 4° to achieve perpendicular lateral sides, then machining precision is improved, but the optical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic optical system with movable mirrors that can adjust their positions and orientations. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve the required angled beam direction and compensate for geometric inaccuracies without requiring a permanently complex optical arrangement. The mirrors can be repositioned to adapt to different machining requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the optical system by introducing movable mirrors with adjustable positions and orientations. By varying the angle of incidence and the position of the mirrors, the system can achieve the desired beam direction and compensate for inaccuracies, transforming a static complex system into a dynamically adjustable one.
3Manufacturing precision
If an excentring system with multiple mirrors is used to offset the light beam, then angular control is achieved, but the size and weight of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple independent movable mirrors, each responsible for specific angular adjustments. This segmentation allows for more flexible and compact arrangement of optical components, reducing the overall size and weight compared to a single large excentring system, while maintaining precise angular control capability.
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
The device achieves better quality holes and cuts with reduced complexity, size, and weight, allowing for easier maintenance and operation, while maintaining polarization to minimize power loss, and can create conicities and adjustable conicities, suitable for precision applications like clock making and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the optical system comprises: a retroreflection system with a movable mirror for reflecting an incoming light beam
Implementation Method 2
a movable mirror for reflecting an incoming light beam
Implementation Method 3
focusing means for focusing the outgoing light beam on a target
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a machining device comprising an optical system (2) for obtaining from an incoming light beam (1) produced by a light source an outgoing light beam (7). The optical system (2) comprises a movable mirror (19), for obtaining a first reflected light beam by reflection of a first incident light beam obtained from the incoming light beam (1), an optical element (21) for directing first reflected light beam such that it comes back to the mirror (19) as a second incident light beam (8) for producing an outgoing light beam (7) obtained from the reflection of the second incident light beam (8) on the mirror (19), driving means (6) for moving said movable mirror (19), focusing means (9) for focusing said outgoing light beam (7) on a target (10), said outgoing light beam (7) remaining parallel to a given direction upstream the focusing means (9) whatever the position and orientation of the mirror (19). The optical system (2) is configured such that, depending on the position of the mirror (19), the outgoing light beam (7) follows a different trajectory serving to drive the precession of the outgoing light beam (7) downstream the focusing means (9).