Ring Focus Optics With Integrated Centering for Circumferential Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring welding optics face challenges in machining rotationally symmetrical workpieces due to difficulties in holding and centering the workpiece, especially at high machining speeds, and the geometry of the weld seam is not easily changeable, leading to complex mechanics and bearing demands.
Innovation Solution
A ring focus optics system with a conical mirror that deflects an annular laser beam radially inward or outward, accompanied by a holding/centering device integrated into the optics, which includes a carrier plate and a centering stamp to axially fix and radially center the workpiece, and uses air flushing to maintain cleanliness of optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotation optics is used to weld cylindrical workpieces, then the weld seam geometry can be adjusted, but the device complexity and bearing demands increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the optics around the workpiece (complex rotation optics), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the optics stationary and rotating the workpiece itself on a simple rotary table. This inversion dramatically simplifies the mechanical system while maintaining the ability to create circumferential weld seams on rotationally symmetrical workpieces
Solution Approach 2:
The ring focus optics is designed to be universal for machining rotationally symmetrical workpieces regardless of specific dimensions. By combining the stationary ring focus optics with a rotary table, the system can handle various workpiece sizes and adjust weld seam geometry through optical parameters rather than mechanical reconfiguration
2Productivity
If a rotation optics rotates at high speed for high machining speed, then productivity increases, but the reliability and mechanical demands increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transfers the rotation from the heavy optics system to the workpiece itself. The workpiece rotates on a simple, reliable rotary table at controlled speeds, while the stationary ring focus optics delivers the laser beam. This inversion allows high machining speeds to be achieved with much simpler and more reliable mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rotation function from the complex optics system and places it on a separate, simple rotary table. This separation allows the optics to remain stationary and simple while the workpiece rotation handles the speed requirements, improving overall system reliability
3Device complexity
If no integrated holding device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult workpiece centering
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the holding/centering function with the ring focus optics by integrating a holding device into the optics housing. This integration allows the workpiece to be axially fixed and radially centered simultaneously, greatly improving ease of operation while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the stationary ring focus optics. It provides the necessary mechanical support and centering functions, enabling precise workpiece positioning without requiring complex external centering mechanisms
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 efficient machining of rotationally symmetrical workpieces with improved centering and fixing capabilities, allowing for adjustable weld seam diameter and effective cleaning of optical elements during laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
a conical mirror (10) for deflecting the annular laser beam (4) radially inward or outward onto a circumference (11) of at least one workpiece (2, 3)
Data Source
AI summary
A ring focus optics for machining rotationally symmetrical or nearly rotationally symmetrical workpieces by an annular laser beam includes a conical mirror configured to deflect the annular laser beam radially inward or outward onto a circumference of at least one workpiece, a rotational axis of which is aligned collinear to an optical axis of the ring focus optics. The ring focus optics further includes a holding/centering device surrounded by the annular laser beam and fastened on the housing of the ring focus optics. The holding/centering device is configured to axially fix the at least one workpiece and/or to radially center the at least one workpiece with respect to the optical axis.