UV Laser Source Module Swap With Beam Shape Re-Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultraviolet laser processing systems face downtime and increased costs due to the short lifetime of the laser source, requiring frequent replacements and adjustments of the optical unit to match new laser source characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An ultraviolet laser processing system design featuring a removable casing with quick connector systems for the laser source, an optical unit with adjustable modules for beam circularity and astigmatism, and a method for easy assembly and alignment, reducing downtime and maintaining high precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the laser source is replaced periodically, then the ultraviolet laser processing system can maintain operational capability, but the downtime increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser source is segmented into a modular assembly that includes the laser source, casing, electric connector, and fluidic connector as integrated components. This segmentation allows the entire assembly to be quickly replaced as a single unit, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity while ensuring the system retains operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the laser source is replaced frequently, then the system can operate continuously, but the cost per process operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidcost per process operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser source is pre-assembled with its casing, electric connector, and fluidic connector into a complete replacement unit before being installed in the system. This preliminary assembly preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site connections and adjustments, reducing the time and cost associated with frequent replacements while enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the optical unit is tuned for each new laser source, then the processing precision is maintained, but the replacement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electric connector and fluidic connector are designed with adjustable parameters that can be modified to match different laser source characteristics. This allows the optical unit to be adapted to new laser sources without complete re-tuning, maintaining processing precision while significantly reducing the time required for replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of moving object

If the laser source lifetime is extended, then the replacement frequency decreases, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser source lifetimeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser source is equipped with a casing and integrated connector system that is designed to accommodate gradual degradation and extended operation. This beforehand cushioning design allows the laser source to operate beyond its original lifetime without requiring complex system modifications, reducing replacement frequency while avoiding increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system significantly reduces downtime and maintenance costs by allowing fast replacement and adjustment of the laser source, maintaining high spatial precision and extending the operational lifespan of the ultraviolet laser processing system.

Implementation Method 1

a laser source adapted to produce a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulated emission: Laser

Implementation Method 2

an optical unit adapted to shape the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

an optical unit adapted to shape the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

an electric connector adapted to conduct the electrical current from the supply unit to the laser source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 5

a fluidic connector adapted to conduct the fluid from the supply unit to the laser source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4429047A1Ultraviolet laser processing system
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 LASER SYST & SOLUTIONS OF EURO
  • EP4429047A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4429047A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4429047A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an ultraviolet laser processing system (1) comprising: - a structure (100); - a casing (200), removably mounted in the structure, comprising a laser source (202) adapted to produce a laser beam; - a supply unit (400), mounted in the structure, and adapted to provide an electric current and a fluid to the laser source to produce the laser beam; - an optical unit (600), mounted in the structure, adapted to shape the laser beam, the optical unit comprising a circularity correction module (620) designed to provide a variable adjustment of a circularity of the laser beam and/or an astigmatism correction module (630) designed to provide a variable adjustment of an astigmatism of the laser beam; - an electric connector (510) adapted to conduct the electrical current from the supply unit to the laser source; - a fluidic connector (520, 530) adapted to conduct the fluid from the supply unit to the laser source.