Using laser to form intentional line of breakage on vehicle interior cladding covering air bag deployment system, employs matrix camera to measure and control residual cladding thickness

摘要

The laser beam (8) is directed onto the inner surface of cladding (2) fixed in a holder (1). Blind recesses are formed on the inner side of the cladding, along the line of intentional breakage. Measurements taken externally, estimate the residual cladding thickness. Beam power is controlled at the laser generator (4), by comparison of measurement results with a reference value. In a novel approach, measurements taken are electrical potentials resulting from the local irradiation intensity. These potentials originate at predetermined pixels of a matrix camera. They are read-out only from these predetermined pixels. The measurement beam is part of the laser beam (8). It is alternatively the resultant: infra red radiation or plasma radiation. A set working regime is employed. Holes are formed non-adjacently, giving time for cooling of each previously-processed location. A laser beam scanner (5) is employed. The equipment stores the processing locations for which only the associated camera pixels are read out. One or more CMOS matrix cameras (6) are used. Each camera covers a part of the intentional breakage line. An independent claim IS INCLUDED FOR corresponding equipment.