Laser Welding Mask Self-Cleaning for Spatter Buildup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser welding devices face issues with foreign materials, such as spatter, accumulating on the welding mask, which degrade welding quality and require frequent mask replacements, leading to production interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A welding device with a foreign material cleaning part featuring a scraper that automatically cleans the welding mask during a standby mode by reciprocating within the seat part of the lower jig, using physical friction to remove accumulated materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the welding mask is replaced periodically to maintain welding quality, then the welding quality is improved, but the production loss increases due to stopping operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidproduction loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding mask performs self-cleaning through the attached cleaning device that automatically removes foreign materials during or between welding operations, eliminating the need for manual replacement and maintaining welding quality continuously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device removes foreign materials from the welding mask before they can significantly degrade welding quality, performing maintenance in advance during standby periods or between welds to prevent quality deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the welding mask is replaced to remove accumulated foreign materials, then the welding quality is improved, but the operation time is reduced due to stopping for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device operates continuously or periodically to remove foreign materials from the welding mask, ensuring welding quality is maintained without interrupting the welding process and eliminating downtime for mask replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If manual cleaning or replacement of the welding mask is performed, then foreign materials are removed, but the automation level decreases requiring human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign material removalVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The welding mask system includes an integrated cleaning device that automatically removes foreign materials without human intervention, performing self-maintenance during welding operations or standby periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of mask replacement is substituted with an automated cleaning mechanism that uses a cleaning member to remove foreign materials, transitioning from human-operated to automated maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device maintains welding quality by continuously cleaning the welding mask without stopping operations, reducing manpower and investment costs associated with mask replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a scraper (510) provided to be capable of entering the seat part (311) after the lower jig (300) is lowered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4644033A1Welding apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4644033A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4644033A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4644033A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A welding device according to one example of the present invention comprises a welding part including a lower jig having a seat part, wherein a welding target is seated thereon, opened toward the welding target, a lower elevating part provided to elevate the lower jig, and a laser irradiation part provided to irradiate the welding target with a laser beam, and a foreign material cleaning part including a scraper provided to be capable of entering the seat part after the lower jig is lowered.