Single-Lens Laser Focusing for Variable Workpiece Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser beam machining devices are complex, costly, and lack flexibility due to their intricate compensation mechanisms, which make them susceptible to failure and difficult to maintain, especially when dealing with workpieces of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A simplified laser beam machining device using a single aspherical lens with adjustable distance between the lens and the machining point, allowing for continuous adaptation of beam geometry to workpiece dimensions through axial and lateral magnification, without altering beam quality or replacing the process fibre, and utilizing a drive system for synchronous displacement of the lens and light exit point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex compensation mechanisms are integrated in the walls of the laser beam machining head, then pressure compensation is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compensation mechanism from the wall integration and places it as a separate, movable compensation element within the machining head. This allows the compensation function to be isolated and made accessible for maintenance while remaining functionally integrated in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to pressure changes dynamically. This movable design simplifies the overall structure compared to rigid wall-integrated compensation mechanisms while maintaining effective pressure compensation.
2Volume of moving object
If wall-integrated drive means are used, then space is saved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means is extracted from the wall structure and implemented as a separate, movable component within the machining head. This separation allows the drive mechanism to be accessed for maintenance by removing or moving the compensation element, while still utilizing the compact space within the head assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is segmented into movable components that can be independently accessed. The compensation element and drive means are separated as distinct movable parts, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific components without disassembling the entire wall structure.
3Device complexity
If a single lens is used for focussing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying workpiece thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single lens is made movable along the beam axis, allowing its position to be dynamically adjusted according to workpiece thickness. This dynamic positioning capability provides adaptability to varying thicknesses while maintaining the simplicity of using only a single lens in the optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the single lens to adapt to different workpiece thicknesses. By varying the lens position rather than changing the lens itself or adding multiple lenses, the system maintains structural simplicity while achieving the required adaptability.
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
This approach enables high-quality machining by matching laser power to workpiece thickness, reducing the need for higher laser powers and minimizing kerf width, while simplifying the device structure and reducing maintenance complexity, leading to cost-effective production and improved machining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a single lens after the light exit point in the direction of radiation, which focuses the laser light
Implementation Method 2
which focuses the laser light and is designed to guide the focussed laser light onto a machining point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A laser beam machining device (1) is provided, in which unfocused light (A) from a light exit point (B) is radiated onto a single lens (8), wherein the lens (8) focuses the laser light (A) and guides it onto a machining point of a workpiece (7). A distance (ma, mb) between the lens (8) and the light exit point (B) and a distance (la, lb) between the lens (8) and the machining point of the workpiece (7) and a distance between the light exit point (B) and the aforementioned machining point can be varied. Moreover, a process of usage of a laser beam machining device (1) is provided.