Switchable Compound Laser Machine with Movable Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing machines require separate units for engraving and cutting operations, leading to increased space requirements, higher costs, and inefficiencies due to the need for different laser tubes with distinct optical properties, which are not optimally suited by existing light-converging lenses.
Innovation Solution
A switchable compound laser working machine with a machine body, first and second output modules (engraving and cutting modules), a switch module with a movable lens, and a control module that allows for the alteration of laser beam direction using a computer module to switch between engraving and cutting operations, eliminating the need for a light-converging lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate laser machines are used for engraving and cutting operations, then each operation can be performed with optimized laser tubes, but the total cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate laser machines (engraving machine with metal tube and cutting machine with glass tube) into a single integrated machine. The machine body houses both a metal laser tube for engraving and a glass laser tube for cutting, allowing both functions to be performed in one device, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining operational optimization through dedicated laser tubes for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal laser working machine that can perform multiple functions (engraving and cutting) through a single device. The machine is designed with switchable laser tubes and a common optical pathway that can accommodate both metal and glass laser tubes, enabling one machine to replace two separate specialized machines.
2Reliability
If separate laser machines are used for engraving and cutting operations, then each operation can be performed with optimized laser tubes, but the total cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate laser machines into a single integrated machine, merging the functions of engraving and cutting operations. By sharing common components such as the machine body, control system, and optical pathway, the total manufacturing cost is reduced compared to purchasing and maintaining two separate specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal machine that can perform both engraving and cutting functions. The design allows switching between metal and glass laser tubes within the same machine body, eliminating the need for users to invest in two separate machines and thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a light-converging lens is used to combine laser beams from different laser tubes, then both engraving and cutting functions can be integrated, but the output energy decreases due to different optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable lens mechanism that can dynamically adjust the position and orientation of the light-converging lens based on which laser tube is active. The lens can be positioned to optimize the optical pathway for either the metal laser tube (engraving) or the glass laser tube (cutting), thereby minimizing energy loss by adapting to the specific optical properties of the active laser source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the optical system by adjusting the lens position, angle, and focal length according to the active laser tube. When switching between metal and glass laser tubes, the system modifies the optical pathway parameters to match the specific transmission and reflection characteristics of each laser type, thereby maintaining maximum output energy for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a light-converging lens is used to combine laser beams from different laser tubes, then both engraving and cutting functions can be integrated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a movable lens mechanism that can be positioned and oriented dynamically based on the active laser tube. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single lens to serve both engraving and cutting functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized optical components and thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining versatility.
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 performance of both engraving and cutting operations using carbon-dioxide type metal and glass laser tubes with the same wavelength, reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining output energy, and allowing for flexible operation without the need for multiple machines.
Implementation Method 1
The switch module has at least one lens. It is able to change the output direction of laser beams by moving the lens
Implementation Method 2
The basic working principle of conventional laser processing machines is to guide and focus laser beams on surfaces of objects to be engraved. The materials of the objects are gasified due to sudden increase of temperature when the focused laser beams are absorbed by the materials
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable compound laser working machine comprises a machine body, a first output module, a second output module, a switch module, and a control module. The first and second output modules are respectively provided with a laser tube. The switch module has at least one lens. It is able to change the output direction of laser beams by moving the lens. The control module is used for controlling the laser tubes of the first and second output modules to perform output operation respectively and used for moving the lens of the switch module into output pathway of the laser beams from the first or the second output module to alter the output direction of the laser beams.