Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The presently disclosed embodiments are related, in general, to a portable laser machine (PLM). More particularly, the presently disclosed embodiments are related to a portable laser machine (PLM) for performing various operations on a workpiece.
BACKGROUND
[002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.
[003] In connection with engraving designs or other patterns on a workpiece such as metal, marble, or wood, it is known to use a controlled laser beam. It is known to utilize a laser beam to engrave designs or other patterns onto a workpiece, such as, for instance, metal, marble, or wood. In US patent US10767318B2 to Lindemulder, Paul et al. issued September 08, 2020, and entitled "Robotically-controlled laser cladding process for repair of worn and/or damaged railway structures", a robotically controlled laser cutting machine which is used in the repairing of the railway tracks. This machine is compact, portable, and programable. The machine is placed on a rig that is clamped onto the railway track to avoid any movement during the operations. The rig is connected to a boom which makes it easier to manipulate and place the laser system where desired.
[004] In comparison with known prior arts, it would be advantageous to provide a portable laser machine (PLM) that can be used in a variety of applications and can be readily transported by a user. Additionally, the existing prior arts do not have capability to automatically hold the workpiece or any supporting components of the workpiece. Further, there is a need for a portable laser machine (PLM) that can communicate with an independent computer. This specification recognizes that there is a necessity for an efficient and improved portable laser machine (PLM) for performing various operations on a workpiece.
[005] Thus, in view of the above, there is a long-felt need in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
[006] Further limitations and disadvantages of traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through the comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[007] A portable laser machine (PLM) for performing various operations on a workpiece is provided substantially, as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures.
[008] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a portable laser machine (PLM) for performing one or more operations on a workpiece. The portable laser machine (PLM) includes a functional module, and an attachment module. The functional module includes a plurality of linear actuators, a plurality of servo motors, a laser cutting head, a laser optic fiber cable, and proximity sensors. The servo motors are configured to control the plurality of linear actuators. The laser cutting head is movable by the linear actuators in an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction. The laser cutting head includes a laser nozzle to irradiate a laser beam onto a workpiece. The laser optic fiber cable is connected to the laser cutting head for delivering a laser beam to the laser nozzle. The proximity sensors are placed at both ends of the plurality of linear actuators to define the movement length of the laser nozzle. The attachment module includes a replaceable platform that is detachably attached with at least one of the linear actuators to hold the functional module onto the workpiece. The replaceable platform comprises one or more mounting means to engage with the workpiece.
[009] In an aspect, the mounting means includes a plurality of holes, a plurality of hooks, one or more magnets, one or more electromagnets, and a vacuum unit. The holes are configured to facilitate the replaceable platform to be fastened on the workpiece using one or more of: a plurality of screws, and a plurality of nut bolts. The hooks are configured to be hung on the workpiece. The magnets enable the replaceable platform to couple with a metallic portion of the workpiece. The electromagnets enable the replaceable platform to couple with the metallic portion of the workpiece. The vacuum unit secures the replaceable platform to the workpiece.
[0010] In an aspect, the workpiece is stationary during the operations.
[0011] In an aspect, the replaceable platform includes a holding handle to facilitate a user to carry the portable laser machine (PLM).
[0012] In an aspect, the replaceable platform is customizable based on the shape, size, and surface type of the workpiece.
[0013] In an aspect, the functional module includes an integrated circuit board having an outlet to receive a cable that establishes electrical communication with a computing device.
[0014] In an aspect, the cable is adapted to transmit data about the engraving of one or more of a predetermined pattern, and a predetermined text on the workpiece.
[0015] In an aspect, the integrated circuit board includes a memory; and a processor. The memory stores a plurality of instructions about coordinating and controlling the plurality of linear actuators. The processor executes the plurality of instructions stored in the memory upon receiving a command from the computing device.
[0016] In an aspect, the processor imports the predetermined pattern and the predetermined texts from one or more files from the computing device. Examples of the files include but are not limited to Drawing Interchange File (DXF) format, an Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format, Laser Doc 2.0, AutoCAD DXF, Gerber file, CNC standard G code, Adobe illustrator, Laser cut document, CypCut session, HPGL File (PLT), Nest result package, and Nest result package V2.
[0017] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it provides a portable CNC laser metal cutting machine with an in-built computing chip.
[0018] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it can make the cutting surface as base to hold itself. The holding mechanism can include magnets or hooks or any other means of engagement.
[0019] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it provides the portable laser machine (PLM) that is used for various operations and can be readily transported by the user.
[0020] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it can communicate with an independent computing device for performing various operations on the workpiece.
[0021] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures in which reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments of systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another and vice versa. Further, the elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0023] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope in any manner, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of various components of a portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portable laser machine (PLM) for performing one or more operations on a workpiece, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a second perspective view of the portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of the x-axis linear actuator, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of the x-axis linear actuator, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary view of the portable laser machine (PLM) for operating on an agricultural implements or machinery, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the apparatuses, methods, and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[0034] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0035] In accordance with the present invention, a Portable Laser Machine (PLM) is provided. The PLM is used for various operations such as repair, cutting, joining, extraction of metal, and writing on the surface, of the workpiece of agricultural implements, bridges, vehicle, construction machine, or any other machine. In an embodiment, the PLM has three servo motors to control the respective linear actuators to move a laser nozzle in 3 dimensions (X, Y, and Z-axis). The proximity sensors are placed at both ends of the linear actuators to define the movement length of the laser nozzle. The entire functional module is fixed on a replaceable platform or a baler fixture. The replaceable baler fixture may include one or more mounting means to engage the PLM with the subject machine. According to an embodiment herein, the portable laser machine (PLM) perform operations on all grades of steel, aluminum, etc., and can even cut painted or rusty material. The portable laser machine (PLM) utilizes programming and supports the DXF file format for uploading the data. The portable laser machine (PLM) can work on three axis X, Y, and Z, and can cut material 360 degrees.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram (100) of various components of a portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 1 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 2-8. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) includes a functional module (102), and an attachment module (104). The functional module (102) includes a plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c), a plurality of servo motors (108a, 108b, and 108c), a laser cutting head (110), a laser optic fiber cable (114), a plurality of proximity sensors (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, and 116f). The attachment module (104) includes a replaceable platform (118). In an embodiment, the functional module (102) includes an integrated circuit board (134) having an outlet to receive a cable (136) that establishes electrical communication with a computing device (138). In an embodiment, the cable (136) is adapted to transmit data/command about the operation of either a predetermined pattern, or a predetermined text or a combination thereof on the workpiece (802). In an embodiment, the integrated circuit board (134) includes a memory (140); and a processor (142). The memory (140) stores a plurality of instructions about coordinating and controlling the plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c). The processor (142) executes the plurality of instructions stored in the memory upon receiving a command from the computing device (138). In an embodiment, the processor (142) imports the predetermined pattern and the predetermined texts from one or more files from the computing device (138). Examples of the files include but are not limited to Drawing Interchange File (DXF) format and an Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portable laser machine (PLM) (101) for performing one or more operations on a workpiece (802) (shown in FIG. 8), in accordance with at least one embodiment. Examples of one or more operations include but are not limited to engraving, repair, cutting, joining, and extraction of metal. In an embodiment, the portable laser machine (PLM) is a modular machine in which all the components can be separated and can be joined together as per the geometry of the machine components having the workpiece and required functional module operation. FIG. 3 illustrates a second perspective view of the portable laser machine (PLM) (101), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view (400) of the portable laser machine (PLM), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 4 depicts a fixture holding bolt (402) that enables the platform to be attached to the workpiece, and a manual handle (404) for magnet engagement or disengagement. FIG. 5 illustrates a front view (500) of the portable laser machine (PLM) (101), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 5 depicts a superseder fixture (502). In an alternative embodiment, the superseder fixture (502) can act as a replaceable platform (118), wherein the superseder fixture (502) includes one or more hooks to be detachably attached with the workpiece. FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view (600) of the portable laser machine (PLM) (101), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0038] The servo motors (108a, 108b, and 108c) are configured to control the plurality of linear actuators. The laser cutting head (110) is movable by the plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c) in an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction. The laser cutting head includes a laser nozzle (112) to irradiate a laser beam onto a workpiece. In an embodiment, the laser cutting head (110) may include a focusing lens and a focus tracking system (not shown in the figures). The laser optic fiber cable (114) is connected to the laser cutting head (110) for delivering a laser beam to the laser nozzle (112). The proximity sensors (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, and 116f) are placed at both ends of the plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c) to define the movement length of the laser nozzle (112).
[0039] The replaceable platform (118) is detachably attached with at least one of the linear actuators (106a) to hold the functional module (102) to perform the operations on the workpiece (802). The replaceable platform (118) comprises one or more mounting means (120) to engage with the workpiece (802). In an embodiment, the mounting means (120) includes a plurality of holes (122), a plurality of hooks (124), one or more magnets (126), one or more electromagnets (128), and a vacuum unit (130). In an embodiment, the mounting means (120) has a capability to be attached with either the workpiece or the structures or machines. The holes (122) are configured to facilitate the replaceable platform to be fastened on the workpiece using one or more of: a plurality of screws, and a plurality of nut bolts. The hooks (124) are configured to be hung on the workpiece (802). The magnets (126) enable the replaceable platform (118) to couple with a metallic portion of the workpiece (802). The electromagnets (128) enable the replaceable platform (118) to couple with the metallic portion of the workpiece (802) upon receiving electric current through a coil surrounding one or more electromagnets (128). The vacuum unit (130) secures the replaceable platform (118) to the workpiece (802). In an embodiment, the replaceable platform (118) includes a holding handle (132) to facilitate a user to carry the portable laser machine (PLM) (101). In an embodiment, the replaceable platform (118) is customizable based on the shape, size, and surface type of the workpiece (802).
[0040] FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of the x-axis linear actuator (106a), in accordance with at least one embodiment. The top view of the x-axis linear actuator (106a) depicts a top surface (702) to be detachably attached to the y-axis linear actuator (106b); and a housing (704) to mount the servo motor (108a). FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of the x-axis linear actuator (106a), in accordance with at least one embodiment. The bottom view of the x-axis linear actuator (106a) depicts three slots (708a, 708b, and 708c); and various nuts (combinedly shown as 706), preferably of 8 mm, that are adjustable or moveable into the slots (708a, 708b, and 708c) according to a plurality of holes present in the replaceable platform (118). The nuts (706) enable the x-axis linear actuator (106a) to strongly attach to the replaceable platform (118) by using bolts.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary view of the portable laser machine (PLM) for operating on agricultural implements or machinery, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The workpiece (802) is stationary during the operations. In an embodiment, the workpiece (802) is a horizontal surface or vertical surface or part of a variety of structures or machines including but are not limited to agricultural implements, bridges, vehicles, or any other machine. In an embodiment, the workpiece is a part of a structure or a machine including but are not limited to agricultural implements, bridges, vehicles. In another embodiment, the workpiece is an independent structure or a machine including but are not limited to agricultural implements, bridges, vehicles. FIG. 8 depicts agricultural implements or machineries as a workpiece (802) on which an engraving operation is performed by the PLM. Thus, the present invention provides a customizable and cost-effective portable laser machine (PLM) that is used for the repair, cutting, joining, and extraction of metal, writing on the surface, of the workpiece’s parts of agricultural implements, bridges, or any other machine. Further, the portable laser machine (PLM) utilizes the workpiece (cutting surface) as a base to hold itself during the operations. The holding mechanism can include magnets or hooks or any other means of engagement. Furthermore, the portable laser machine (PLM) is used for various operations and can be readily transported by the user. Additionally, the portable laser machine (PLM) communicates with an independent computing device for performing various operations on the workpiece.
[0042] A person skilled in the art will understand that the portable laser machine (PLM) is described herein for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0043] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the assembly and apparatus have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above-disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different apparatuses, systems, or applications.
[0044] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1. A portable laser machine (PLM) (101) for performing one or more operations on a workpiece (802), comprising:
a functional module (102), comprising:
a plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c);
a plurality of servo motors (108a, 108b, and 108c) to control the plurality of linear actuators;
a laser cutting head (110) movable by the plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c) in an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction, wherein the laser cutting head comprises a laser nozzle (112) to irradiate a laser beam onto a workpiece;
a laser optic fiber cable (114) connected to the laser cutting head (110) for delivering a laser beam to the laser nozzle (112); and
a plurality of proximity sensors (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, and 116f) placed at both ends of the plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c) to define the movement length of the laser nozzle (112); and
an attachment module (104), comprising:
a replaceable platform (118) detachably attached with at least one of the plurality of linear actuators (106a) to hold the functional module (102) onto the workpiece (802), wherein the replaceable platform (118) comprises one or more mounting means (120) to engage with the workpiece (802).
2. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting means (120) comprising:
a plurality of holes (122) to facilitate the replaceable platform to be fastened on the workpiece using one or more of: a plurality of screws, and a plurality of nut bolts;
a plurality of hooks (124) to be hung on the workpiece (802);
one or more magnets (126) to enable the replaceable platform (118) to couple with a metallic portion of the workpiece (802);
one or more electromagnets (128) to enable the replaceable platform (118) to couple with the metallic portion of the workpiece (802); and
a vacuum unit (130) to secure the replaceable platform (118) to the workpiece (802).
3. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the workpiece (802) is stationary during the one or more operations.
4. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the replaceable platform (118) comprises a holding handle (132) to facilitate a user to carry the portable laser machine (PLM) (101).
5. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the replaceable platform (118) is customizable based on one or more of: a shape, a size, and a surface type of the workpiece (802).
6. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional module (102) comprises an integrated circuit board (134) having an outlet to receive a cable (136) that establishes electrical communication with a computing device (138).
7. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cable (136) is adapted to transmit data pertaining to the engraving of one or more of a predetermined pattern, and a predetermined text on the workpiece (802).
8. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the integrated circuit board (134) comprises: a memory (140) to store a plurality of instructions pertaining to coordinating and controlling the plurality of linear actuators (106a, 106b, and 106c); and a processor (142) to execute the plurality of instructions stored in the memory upon receiving a command from the computing device (138).
9. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor (142) imports the predetermined pattern and the predetermined texts from one or more files from the computing device (138).
10. The portable laser machine (PLM) (101) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more files are in one or more of: Drawing Interchange File (DXF) format, and an Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format.