Vacuum Laser Optics Isolation Using Cross-Jet Spatter Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum laser processing devices face challenges in preventing metal vapor and spatter from adhering to the optical system, which can lead to contamination and damage during the welding process.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum laser processing device is designed with a laser beam irradiation unit, a construction chamber, a vacuum device unit for creating a vacuum, and a gas supply unit that injects cross jet gas orthogonally to the laser beam at the irradiation port, effectively preventing metal vapor and spatter from entering the irradiation chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If welding is performed in a low-vacuum atmosphere with shielding gas, then metal vapor adhesion is prevented, but the optical system remains vulnerable to spatter contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the optical system into its own irradiation chamber maintained at atmospheric pressure, while the construction chamber operates under vacuum. This segmentation allows the optical system to be protected from both metal vapor (through vacuum isolation) and spatter (through physical separation), resolving the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum environment in the construction chamber acts as an inert barrier that prevents harmful substances from reaching the optical system. By maintaining a vacuum in the construction chamber and atmospheric pressure in the irradiation chamber, the system creates a protective environment without requiring shielding gas that could be contaminated by spatter.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a transmission window is used in the shielding gas cylinder, then laser beam transmission is enabled, but the transmission window becomes susceptible to spatter adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission window is extracted from the construction chamber environment and placed in the irradiation chamber, which is isolated from spatter through vacuum isolation. The laser beam passes through the vacuum boundary from the construction chamber to the irradiation chamber, allowing the transmission window to function without being exposed to spatter contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum environment acts as an intermediary that allows laser beam transmission while protecting the transmission window from spatter. The laser beam can penetrate the vacuum boundary, but the vacuum barrier prevents spatter from reaching the transmission window, resolving the contradiction between enabling laser transmission and protecting the window.
3Ease of operation
If shielding gas cylinder is positioned along the optical axis, then laser beam path is maintained, but spatter can enter the cylinder from the weld
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the laser beam path into two separate chambers: the laser beam is generated and transmitted through the irradiation chamber, then passes through the vacuum boundary into the construction chamber where welding occurs. This segmentation allows the optical system to maintain proper alignment while being physically isolated from spatter entry points.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum environment serves as an intermediary barrier that allows the laser beam to pass through while preventing spatter from entering the irradiation chamber. The vacuum boundary enables laser beam transmission but blocks spatter, resolving the contradiction between maintaining laser beam path alignment and preventing spatter entry.
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 configuration ensures stable vacuum laser welding by preventing contamination and damage to the optical system, improving processing quality and efficiency by effectively blocking metal vapor and spatter from adhering to the laser beam's optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum device unit configured to produce a vacuum in an interior of the construction chamber
Implementation Method 2
a gas supply unit having a gas nozzle configured to inject cross jet gas toward the laser beam at an outlet of the laser beam of the irradiation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent metal vapor and spatter from adhering to an optical system. A vacuum laser processing device includes: a laser beam irradiation unit having an optical system configured to emit a laser beam and an irradiation chamber through which the emitted laser beam passes; a construction chamber to which the irradiation chamber of the laser beam irradiation unit is connected, and in which an object to be processed to be constructed by the laser beam is positioned; a vacuum device unit configured to produce a vacuum in the interior of the construction chamber; and a gas supply unit having a gas nozzle configured to inject cross jet gas toward the laser beam at an irradiation port, which is the outlet of the laser beam of the irradiation chamber.