Safety Laser Sealing and Heating Against Optical Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile autonomous robots used in order picking face malfunctions due to temperature changes between different environments, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced performance, as their components are not adapted to handle such variations.
Innovation Solution
A safety laser with temperature regulation means, such as heating elements and airtightness, and anti-mist treatments are implemented to maintain optimal operating conditions, preventing condensation and ensuring the optical element's precision in environments with varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the safety laser is used in environments with varying temperatures, then the robot can operate in diverse storage zones, but the optical element suffers damage due to condensation and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the safety laser device before use in cold environments and pre-drying the optical element to remove moisture. This preparatory treatment prevents condensation from forming on the optical element when the device is exposed to cold temperatures, thereby maintaining its functionality across diverse storage zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by heating the internal atmosphere of the safety laser device to prevent condensation. By maintaining the internal temperature above the dew point, the atmosphere inside the device becomes inhospitable to moisture condensation, protecting the optical element from temperature-related damage
2Reliability
If heating elements are added to regulate temperature, then condensation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the safety laser device's own laser beam as the heating source. The laser beam naturally heats the optical element and internal atmosphere during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate heating elements. This self-heating mechanism prevents condensation without adding external complexity to the device
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the safety laser is protected against temperature changes, then operational lifespan is extended, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the safety laser device's own operational characteristics (laser beam emission) to provide the protection needed. The natural heating effect of the laser during operation automatically prevents condensation and extends lifespan without requiring additional protective components, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the internal atmosphere and optical element through controlled heating before and during operation. By maintaining the temperature above the dew point, the physical state of moisture is changed from condensed liquid to vapor, preventing damage and extending the safety laser's operational lifespan
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 solution effectively protects the safety laser from temperature-related malfunctions, maintaining its precision and extending its operational lifespan, thereby enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of mobile autonomous robots in diverse temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
The means for regulating the internal temperature comprise a first heating element attached via heat-conductive attaching means to a first surface of the safety laser
Implementation Method 2
a first heating element attached via heat-conductive attaching means to a first surface of the safety laser
Implementation Method 3
airtightness means and means for regulating its internal moisture level to protect the optical element
Implementation Method 4
laser emission means and at least one optical element
Data Source
AI summary
The present technique proposes a safety laser (10) intended to move in environments at different temperatures, said safety laser (10) comprising laser emission means and at least one optical element (101), and comprising means for protecting said at least one optical element (101) comprising means (102) for regulating the temperature internal to said safety laser (10), means (103) for making said safety laser (10) airtight and means (104) for regulating the moisture level internal to said safety laser (10) to protect said at least one optical element (101).