Rotatable Optical Element for Laser Surface Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing technologies are limited in their ability to effectively process complex geometries and adhesive surfaces, such as grooves and curves, and cannot perform surface treatments efficiently, particularly for metallic workpieces intended for adhesive bonding.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device featuring a scanner device mounted in a rotationally immovable manner and an optical element that can rotate, allowing for defined laser beam geometry and orientation changes, enabling the processing of complex contours and adhesive surfaces by deflecting and positioning the laser beam without rotating the scanner device, which prevents damage to connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner device is rotated to process complex geometries and change direction of travel, then the ability to process complicated surfaces is improved, but the connections (cables, conductors) are damaged due to twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional parts: a fixed scanner device and a rotatable optical element. The scanner device remains stationary to protect connections, while the optical element rotates independently to enable complex geometry processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational degree of freedom at the optical element level rather than rotating the entire scanner device. This dimensional change allows the laser beam to be redirected onto complex surfaces while the scanner device remains fixed in its original orientation, protecting the cable and conductor connections from twisting damage.
2Ease of operation
If the scanner device is made rotatable to follow contours and change direction, then the processing of curved surfaces is improved, but the cable and conductor bundles are twisted and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the scanning function (fixed) from the beam positioning function (rotatable optical element). This segmentation allows the optical element to rotate and follow contours while the scanner device with its vulnerable connections remains stationary and easy to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable optical element acts as an intermediary between the fixed scanner device and the workpiece. It translates the fixed scanner's output into a rotating beam pattern that can follow complex contours, thereby enabling ease of operation without compromising the scanner device's structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a fixed scanner device is used to prevent connection damage, then the reliability of connections is improved, but the ability to process complex geometries and adhesive surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotation at the optical element level, adding a rotational dimension to the otherwise fixed scanner system. This allows the laser beam to be dynamically redirected onto complex geometries and adhesive surfaces while the scanner device remains fixed, maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable optical element serves as an intermediary that bridges the fixed scanner device and the diverse workpiece geometries. It enables versatile surface treatment capabilities by rotating the beam path while the scanner device remains stationary, thus maintaining connection stability.
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 allows for efficient processing of complex surfaces and improved adhesive strength by enabling complete remelting of the surface layer, enhancing durability and aging resistance, particularly suitable for aluminum and other light metal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
processing a surface of a workpiece by means of laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
the layer near the surface of a metallic workpiece is melted using laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
Impurities on the surface are removed by melting, evaporating or blasting them off
Implementation Method 4
Impurities on the surface are removed by melting, evaporating or blasting them off
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for processing the surface of a workpiece, in particular for pretreating the surface of a workpiece for adhesive bonding, using laser radiation. According to the invention, the method provides that laser radiation generated by a pulsed laser is directed onto the surface to be processed, that in a first step contaminants located on the surface are removed, and that in a second step the near-surface layer of the workpiece is melted and subsequently cooled such that a complete remelting of the near-surface layer takes place.