Window-Mounted Laser Decoating With Skirted Reflection Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser decoating systems for multi-glazed windows are inefficient and impractical for in-situ use due to their inability to adapt to varying window structures, heavy construction, and poor precision, especially when the window is already mounted on a stationary or mobile object, leading to suboptimal electromagnetic wave transmission and visible decoating patterns.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight laser decoating apparatus with a skirt to block laser reflections and an orientation system for precise beam control, allowing for efficient decoating of a multi-glazed window without the need for motorized movement, enabling effective electromagnetic wave transmission and minimizing visible decoating impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser decoating system is mounted on a window for in-situ treatment, then the window can be treated without removal, but the system becomes heavy and complex requiring motorized movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized mechanical movement with optical beam steering using galvanometer mirrors. Instead of moving the entire laser apparatus mechanically, the invention uses electromagnetic fields to deflect the laser beam across the window surface, eliminating motors and reducing system complexity while maintaining in-situ treatment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces galvanometer mirrors as intermediary components between the laser source and the window surface. These mirrors act as mediators that redirect the laser beam to different positions without requiring physical movement of the laser apparatus itself, thus simplifying the overall system structure
2Reliability
If the laser beam is used to decoate the coating system, then electromagnetic wave transmission is improved, but laser reflections cause harmful effects and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful laser reflections into beneficial effects by using reflective surfaces to direct stray laser energy into controlled paths. The reflections that would normally cause safety hazards are redirected through additional mirrors to either return to the source or be directed to non-critical areas, transforming a harmful factor into a controllable element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary safety measures by positioning reflective shields and absorbing materials strategically to intercept laser reflections before they can cause harm. The system design anticipates reflection paths and preemptively blocks them, preventing harmful effects before they occur
3Reliability
If a large decoating portion is removed to improve RF transmission, then electromagnetic transparency is enhanced, but the solar control benefits are reduced and the transition is eye-visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gradient in the decoating pattern rather than a uniform removal. The decoating density and extent vary across different regions of the window, with higher decoating in areas where RF transmission is most needed and minimal or no decoating in areas where solar control and aesthetic appearance are priorities, thus achieving both goals simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by removing only the specific portions of the coating system that are necessary to achieve adequate RF transmission, rather than removing the entire coating. This selective partial removal maintains solar control benefits in regions where they are still needed while providing sufficient RF transmission channels where required
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 apparatus provides efficient electromagnetic wave transmission through multi-glazed windows with precise decoating, reducing the need for motorized movement and minimizing visible impacts, making it suitable for use on windows of unknown structure and already-mounted multi-glazed windows.
Implementation Method 1
A treatment can be a laser scribing or like, or preferably a decoating of a coating system
Implementation Method 2
a skirt to block a majority of reflections of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An improved laser apparatus, inscribed in a parallelepiped rectangle R defined by a longitudinal axis, X, a vertical axis, Y defining a plane P and a lateral axis, Z, including a mounting means to mount the laser apparatus on a window, preferably a multi-glazed window, mounted in situ. The laser apparatus also includes a laser device generating a laser beam to treat a surface of the window, an orientation means able to orientate the laser beam defining a maximum decoatable surface WSm on the coated surface and a housing including an aperture to let the laser beam going out of the housing. The laser apparatus includes a skirt at least partially surrounding the aperture where the skirt is opaque to the laser beam. A related method is also described.