System and method for managing abrasive media in a cavitating fluid in a process tank

Abstract

The present application relates to systems and methods for managing abrasive media in a cavitating fluid in a processing tank. The system includes a set of sensors (302) in communication with a cavitating fluid (116) in a processing tank (114) and a processor (304) coupled to the set of sensors (302). The processor (304) is configured to determine the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) in the processing tank (114) and facilitate maintaining the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) in the processing tank (114) at a level greater than or equal to a threshold level of the abrasive media. A method includes determining the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) in the processing tank (114) and maintaining the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) in the processing tank (114) at a level greater than or equal to a threshold level of the abrasive media. An apparatus includes a module for performing the method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cavitation surface finishing and, more particularly, to managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid. Background Art

[0002] Additive manufacturing has created a whole new design space for aircraft parts that can have complex shapes and features. However, one of the drawbacks of some additive manufacturing process methods is that the final surface finish of the manufactured parts is much rougher than aircraft components produced using traditional and / or conventional manufacturing methods. Processes such as electron beam powder bed fusion and laser beam powder bed fusion typically produce surface roughness averages that can exceed 1000 microns, which is more than 10 times greater than the surface roughness average for finished aircraft parts.

[0003] Fluid cavitation is a process capable of finishing all surfaces of nearly any shape produced by additive manufacturing to a level less than or equal to the surface roughness average of the aircraft part being finished. In fluid cavitation processing, the density of the abrasive media in the water treatment tank is an important process control parameter. Conventional fluid cavitation processing does not include an effective way to manage the abrasive media level in the cavitation fluid. Summary of the invention

[0004] The subject matter of the present application was developed in response to the current state of the art, and in particular in response to the shortcomings of managing the level of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid in conventional fluid cavitation processes, which shortcomings have not been fully addressed by currently available technology. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide apparatus, systems, and related methods that overcome at least some of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] Disclosed herein is a system for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid within a processing tank for performing cavitation peening techniques on workpieces in the processing tank. A system includes a group of sensors in communication with the cavitation fluid in the processing tank and a processor coupled to the group of sensors. The processor is configured to determine the density of the abrasive media in the cavitation fluid in the processing tank in response to input from the group of sensors, and facilitate maintaining the density of the abrasive media in the cavitation fluid in the processing tank at a level greater than or equal to a threshold level of the abrasive media. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 1 of the present disclosure.

[0006] To facilitate maintaining the density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the processing tank, the processor is configured to, in response to detecting that a current level of grinding media in the cavitating fluid is less than a threshold level of grinding media, facilitate adding grinding media to the cavitating fluid, and in response to detecting that a current level of grinding media in the cavitating fluid is greater than or equal to the threshold level of grinding media, maintain the current level of grinding media in the cavitating fluid. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 2 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0007] The system also includes a grinding media addition device in communication with the processor and in fluid communication with the processing tank, wherein the grinding media addition device is configured to add recycled grinding media to the cavitating fluid in the processing tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 3 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0008] The system also includes a grinding media distribution device within the treatment tank, wherein the grinding media distribution device is configured to disperse the precipitated grinding media in the treatment tank to the cavitation fluid to increase the uniformity of the grinding media throughout the treatment tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 4 also includes subject matter according to Examples 1 and 3 above.

[0009] When determining the density of the grinding media, the processor is configured to calculate an average density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid, and the processor is further configured to, in response to determining that the average density of the grinding media is less than a threshold density of the grinding media, command the grinding media addition device to add the recycled grinding media to the treatment tank to increase the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 5 also includes subject matter according to Examples 1 and 3 above.

[0010] The system also includes a grinding media distribution device within the treatment tank, wherein the grinding media distribution device is configured to disperse the precipitated grinding media in the treatment tank to the cavitation fluid to increase the uniformity of the grinding media throughout the treatment tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 6 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0011] The system also includes a recirculation system coupled to the processing tank, wherein the recirculation system is configured to receive overflow cavitation fluid from the processing tank and supply abrasive media in the overflow cavitation fluid back to the processing tank for reuse in the cavitation fluid. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 7 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0012] The system also includes an input device configured to remove material from the surface of the workpiece, wherein the input device is coupled to a recirculation system, and the recirculation system is configured to supply water to the input device. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 8 also includes subject matter according to Examples 1 and 7 above.

[0013] The system also includes an input device configured to remove material from the surface of the workpiece and a water source coupled to the input device.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 9 also includes subject matter according to Examples 1 and 7 above.

[0014] The set of sensors is further configured to facilitate maintaining a uniform density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid throughout the processing tank.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 10 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0015] The set of sensors includes a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is in communication with the cavitation fluid at a different location in the processing tank, and each sensor is configured to determine a density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid at a corresponding location in the processing tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 11 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0016] The system also includes a grinding media distribution device within the processing tank, wherein the grinding media distribution device is in communication with a processor configured to determine a location in the processing tank that includes a grinding media having a density that is less than a density of grinding media at another location in the processing tank, and the grinding media distribution device is configured to disperse the grinding media at the location to increase the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid at the location. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 12 also includes subject matter according to Examples 1 and 11 above.

[0017] Also disclosed herein is a method for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid in a treatment tank for performing a cavitation peening technique on an object in the treatment tank. A method includes determining, via a processor, a density of abrasive media in a cavitation fluid in a treatment tank, and maintaining the density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid in the treatment tank at a level greater than or equal to a threshold density of abrasive media. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 13 of the present disclosure.

[0018] In some methods, maintaining the density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the treatment tank includes adding grinding media from a recirculation system to the cavitating fluid in response to determining that a current level of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid is less than a threshold density of the grinding media. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 14 also includes subject matter according to Example 13 above.

[0019] The method also includes dispersing the settled grinding media in the treatment tank to maintain a uniform density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid throughout the treatment tank.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 15 also includes subject matter according to Examples 13 and 14 above.

[0020] The method also includes dispersing the settled grinding media in the treatment tank to maintain a uniform density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid throughout the treatment tank.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 16 also includes subject matter according to Example 13 above.

[0021] The method also includes determining a location in the process tank that includes a corresponding density of grinding media that is less than a corresponding density of grinding media at another location in the process tank, wherein dispersing the precipitated grinding media includes dispersing the precipitated grinding media to the location in response to the determination. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 17 also includes subject matter according to Examples 13 and 16 above.

[0022] In some methods, determining the density of the grinding medium includes calculating an average of the density of the grinding medium based on the densities of a plurality of grinding media detected at different locations in the process tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 18 also includes subject matter according to Example 13 above.

[0023] The method also includes determining a location in the processing tank that includes a corresponding density of grinding media that is less than a corresponding density of grinding media at another location in the processing tank, and in response to the determination, dispersing the precipitated grinding media in the processing tank to the location to maintain a uniform density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid throughout the processing tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 19 also includes subject matter according to Examples 13 and 18 above.

[0024] Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for managing abrasive media in a cavitating fluid in a processing tank for performing cavitation peening techniques on workpieces in the processing tank. An apparatus includes a sensor module configured to detect a density of abrasive media in a cavitating fluid in a processing tank, a density module configured to add recirculated abrasive media to the cavitating fluid in response to detecting that a current density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid is less than a threshold density of the abrasive media, and a uniformity module configured to disperse precipitated abrasive media to a location in the processing tank in response to determining that a corresponding density of abrasive media included in the location is less than a corresponding density of abrasive media in another area of ​​the processing tank to increase the uniformity of the density of the abrasive media in the processing tank. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 20 of the present disclosure.

[0025] In one or more embodiments and / or implementations, the described features, structures, advantages and / or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced in the absence of one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials and / or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other cases, additional features and advantages that may not be present in all embodiments may be recognized in certain embodiments and / or implementations. In addition, in some cases, known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring the various aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. According to the following description and the attached technical solutions, the features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more completely apparent, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a cavitation system according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A diagram of one embodiment of a cavitation system;

[0029] Figure 3 According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of the grinding media management system shown;

[0030] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, Figure 3 A block diagram of various processors in an abrasive media management system;

[0031] Figure 5 is an illustration of an as-built additively manufactured workpiece requiring surface flattening according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 One or more further examples according to the present disclosure include Figure 1 A diagram of an input device in a cavitation system;

[0033] Figure 7 According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, Figure 6 An illustration of a workpiece supported by a table in a swirling mixture of cavitation bubbles and abrasive media generated by an input device;

[0034] Figure 8 One or more additional examples according to the present disclosure include Figure 1 A diagram of an input device in a cavitation system;

[0035] Fig. 9A illustrates an initial surface of a workpiece undergoing a fluid cavitation abrasive surface finishing process according to one or more additional examples of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 9B A finished surface of a workpiece according to one or more additional examples of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the surface has been flattened and the workpiece is finished to a desired flatness;

[0037] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a cavitation system according to one or more further examples of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A diagram of one embodiment of a cavitation system; and

[0039] Figures 12 to 18 is a schematic flow chart of various methods for managing abrasive media in a cavitating fluid according to various examples of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Throughout the specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Throughout the specification, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language may, but need not, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, use of the term "implementation" means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, there is no explicit correlation to indicate otherwise, and an implementation may be associated with one or more embodiments.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 9, one embodiment of a fluid cavitation system 100A that can manage abrasive media in a cavitation fluid is shown. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid cavitation system 100A includes, among other components, a cavitation finishing system 102 , a recirculation system 104A, and an abrasive media management system 106 coupled to and / or in communication with one another.

[0042] like Figure 2As shown, the cavitation finishing system 102 includes, among other components, a pressure valve 108 (or high pressure pump) that supplies a pressurized recirculating fluid (e.g., overflow fluid) along a conduit 110. In some embodiments, the pressure valve 108 includes an electronically controlled digital pressure valve. In additional or alternative embodiments, the pressure valve 108 includes a pressure sensor to detect the pressure of the water in the pressure valve 108. The pressure valve 108 allows for control of the pressure and flow rate of water supplied along the conduit 110 to the input device 112 in the treatment tank 114.

[0043] The input device 112 is disposed in the treatment tank 114 and may include any suitable device that can inject water into the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 114 to generate the cavitation cloud 118. In some embodiments, the input device 112 includes a cavitation nozzle (e.g., see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ), the cavitation nozzle is configured to inject pressurized water into the cavitation fluid 116 as a cavitation jet.

[0044] A multi-axis robot 115 (e.g., a CNC motion controller) is coupled to the input device 112. The multi-axis robot 115, or simply the robot, is configured to move the input device 112 around within the processing tank 114. The multi-axis robot 115 may allow the input device 112 to access various locations within the processing tank 114.

[0045] The treatment tank 114 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the treatment tank 114 is formed of stainless steel and / or any other non-corrosive material. In various embodiments, the treatment tank 114 is pressurized or non-pressurized.

[0046] The processing tank 114 is filled with a cavitation fluid 116. The cavitation fluid 116 includes a mixture of water (e.g., clean and / or pure water) and abrasive media (or abrasive material). The cavitation fluid 116 can include any suitable ratio of water to abrasive media that can remove material from the surface of the workpiece 120 to flatten the surface during the fluid cavitation technique. The ratio of water to abrasive media in the cavitation fluid 116 can be referred to herein as the level of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid 116 or the density of abrasive media.

[0047] In various embodiments, the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 is in the range of about 10 grams per liter (g / L) to about 1000 grams per liter, as well as other ratios and / or ranges of ratios possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 is about 22.5 g / L, as well as other ratios greater than or less than 22.5 g / L possible and contemplated herein. In further embodiments, the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 is about 400 g / L, as well as other ratios greater than or less than 400 g / L possible and contemplated herein.

[0048] The abrasive media may include any suitable material that, in combination with water, can form a slurry of the cavitation fluid 116 that can remove material from the surface of the workpiece 120 to planarize the surface during a fluid cavitation technique. In some embodiments, the abrasive media includes aluminum oxide (Al3O2), as well as other suitable materials as possible and contemplated herein.

[0049] The grinding media can include any suitable ANSI grit size that can flatten the surface of the workpiece 120 during the fluid cavitation technique. In various embodiments, the grinding media includes an ANSI grit size in the range of about 16 ANSI grit to about 1200 ANSI grit, as well as other ANSI grit sizes possible and contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the grinding media includes an 80 ANSI grit size. In other embodiments, the grinding media includes a 220 ANSI grit size.

[0050] The cavitation jet of water from the input device 112 is directed toward the workpiece 120 immersed in the cavitation fluid 116. The interaction between the cavitation jet of high pressure water and the cavitation fluid 116 generates a rotating cavitation cloud 118 including a plurality of cavitation bubbles. The cavitation cloud 118 can include any suitable size. In some embodiments, the cavitation cloud 118 includes a size that enables the cavitation cloud 118 to flatten one or more surfaces of the workpiece 120.

[0051] The workpiece 120 may be positioned in the processing tank 114 on a shaft 122, which may be rotated by a motor 124. Rotating the workpiece 120 via the shaft 122 and the motor 124 allows the cavitation cloud 116 to surround all or at least a portion of the workpiece 120.

[0052] When the water cavitation vapor bubbles 118 return to a fluid state, the shock waves generated by the implosion of the collapsed water cavitation vapor bubbles 118 dynamically charge the abrasive particles contained in the cavitation fluid 116, so that the cavitation cloud 118 impacts various surfaces of the workpiece 120. That is, when the workpiece 120 is rotated by the motor 124 to flatten the surface of the workpiece 120, the collapsed cavitation bubbles in the cavitation cloud 118 impact various surfaces of the workpiece 120. Flattening the surface of the workpiece 120 via the cavitation cloud 116 can make the workpiece 120 flat enough for use in an aircraft. Because the cavitation cloud 118 and bubbles give the abrasive media rotation and multi-directional motion, material can be removed from corners, gaps, and / or internal features of the workpiece 120. The cavitation bubbles can further perform cavitation peening and cleaning of the surface of the workpiece 120.

[0053] The collapsing impact force of the cavitation bubble is at least partially affected by the pressure of the water in the cavitation jet, the pressure of the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 114, the ratio between the water pressure and the pressure of the cavitation fluid 116, the temperature of the water in the cavitation jet, and the temperature of the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 114. The pressure of the water in the cavitation jet can be in the range of about 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) (20 megapascals (MPa)) to about 15,000 pounds per square inch (100 MPa), as well as other pressures possible and expected herein. In some embodiments, the pressure of the water in the cavitation jet is about 4000 PSI, and the pressure of the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 102 is one atmosphere (101.325 kPa or 14.7 PSI) or higher.

[0054] At times, the abrasive media in the cavitation fluid 116 may settle, forming a layer 126 of abrasive media at the bottom of the processing tank 114. A pump 128 (e.g., a scavenger pump) or a plurality of pumps 128 are used to capture the abrasive media from the bottom of the processing tank 114, and a pump 130 (e.g., a sump pump) pumps the captured abrasive media to an abrasive media distribution device 132. In some embodiments, the abrasive media distribution device 132 includes a fan nozzle, as well as other suitable devices possible and contemplated herein.

[0055] The grinding media distribution device 132 redistributes, reintroduces and / or disperses captured grinding media captured from the layer 126 into the cavitating fluid 116. In various embodiments, the grinding media distribution device 132 is movable so that the captured grinding media can be dispersed throughout the processing tank 114.

[0056] In some embodiments, the grinding media dispensing device 132 can receive a command to disperse the captured grinding media to one or more locations in the processing tank 114. In response to receiving the command, the grinding media dispensing device 132 moves to the location identified in the command and disperses the captured grinding media at the location. The grinding media dispensing device 132 can disperse the captured grinding media in the fan 134 of the captured grinding media in combination with the cavitating fluid 116. The grinding media dispensing device 132 can continue to disperse the captured grinding media until the grinding media dispensing device 132 receives a subsequent command to stop dispersing the captured grinding media at the location or a command to disperse the captured grinding media at one or more different locations in the processing tank 114.

[0057] Referring now to the recirculation system 104A, the recirculation system 104A is configured to recirculate, redistribute and / or recycle abrasive media to the cavitation finishing system 102. The recirculation system 104A at least partially provides a mechanism and / or process for managing the level of abrasive media in the processing tank 114. In this manner, the fluid cavitation system 100A defines a closed loop system.

[0058] The recirculation system 104A includes an overflow output 136 in fluid communication with the treatment tank 114. The overflow output 136 can be any suitable overflow (e.g., a drain, an orifice, a funnel, etc.) that can provide excess cavitation fluid 116 from the treatment tank 114 to the recirculation tank 138 via a conduit 140 that is stored as overflow cavitation fluid 116A.

[0059] Sometimes, the grinding media in the overflow cavitation fluid 116A may settle, forming a layer 142 of grinding media at the bottom of the recirculation tank 138. A pump 144 (e.g., a scavenger pump) is used to capture the grinding media from the bottom of the recirculation tank 138, and a pump 146 (e.g., a low-pressure sump pump) pumps the captured grinding media to a grinding media addition device 148.

[0060] In some embodiments, the grinding media addition device 148 includes a fan nozzle, as well as other suitable devices possible and contemplated herein. The grinding media addition device 148 is configured to add grinding media to the processing tank 114. The grinding media addition device 148 adds captured grinding media to the processing tank 114 in a fan 150 of captured grinding media combined with the overflowing cavitation fluid 116A.

[0061] In some embodiments, the grinding media addition device 148 may receive a command to add captured grinding media to the processing tank 114. In response to receiving the command, the grinding media addition device 148 adds the captured grinding media from the recirculation tank 138 to the processing tank 114. The grinding media addition device 148 may continue to add captured grinding media until the grinding media addition device 148 receives a subsequent command to stop adding captured grinding media to the processing tank 114.

[0062] Filter 152 (eg, a centrifugal water filter) filters and / or recovers the grinding media in the overflowing cavitation fluid 116A. Pump 154 ​​(eg, a low pressure sewage pump) reintroduces the filtered grinding media 156 to the recirculation tank 138 via a return line 158 and a pressure / control valve 160.

[0063] The filter 162 (e.g., a cartridge filter) also filters the overflow cavitation fluid 116A that has been filtered by the filter 152 to filter / recover the grinding media to remove other impurities therein (e.g., materials removed from the workpiece 120), which results in filtered water (e.g., clean and / or pure water). The pump 164 (e.g., a pressure pump) supplies the filtered water to the multi-axis robot 115 in the cavitation finishing system 102 via a conduit 166.

[0064] As discussed herein, the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116 and the uniformity of the density of the abrasive media throughout the cavitating fluid 116 are parameters that affect the ability of the cavitation cloud 118 to planarize the surface of the workpiece 120. To manage the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116 and / or the uniformity of the density of the abrasive media throughout the cavitating fluid 116, an abrasive media management system 106 including a group 302 of sensors (which may also be referred to as sensors 302, individually, in groups, or collectively) is in communication with (e.g., in contact with, in proximity to, etc.) the cavitating fluid 116 in the processing tank 114.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the abrasive media management system 106. In at least the illustrated embodiment, the abrasive media management system 106 includes, among other components, a set of sensors 302 and a processor 304 that are coupled and / or in communication with one another.

[0066] Each sensor 302 may include any suitable hardware or combination of hardware and software that can detect the amount, level, and / or density of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116. In some embodiments, each sensor 302 includes a laser capable of detecting / determining the density of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116.

[0067] The laser can utilize any suitable wavelength and / or include any suitable output power that can detect / determine the density of the abrasive media in the cavitation fluid 116. In some embodiments, the laser uses a wavelength of about 975 nanometers (nm), with other wavelengths greater or less than 975 nm possible and contemplated herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the laser includes an output power of about 0.45 watts (W), with other output powers greater or less than 0.45 W possible and contemplated herein.

[0068] The set of sensors 302 can include any suitable number of sensors 302 that can detect / determine the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116. In some embodiments, the set of sensors 302 includes a plurality of sensors 302 distributed throughout the processing tank 114.

[0069] In various embodiments, each sensor 302 of the plurality of sensors 302 is positioned at a different location in the processing tank 114 to detect / determine the density of the grinding medium at each corresponding location in the processing tank 114. The sensors 302 of the plurality of sensors 302 are distributed throughout the processing tank 114, and the uniformity of the density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid 116 in the entire processing tank 114 can be detected / determined.

[0070] Each sensor 302 may continuously, substantially continuously, and / or periodically detect / determine the density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid 116. In response to detecting the density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid 116, each sensor 302 transmits the detected density of the grinding medium to the processor 304. That is, each sensor 302 transmits one or more signals including sensor data identifying the detected density of the grinding medium to the processor 304.

[0071] The processor 304 may include any suitable processing hardware and / or software capable of executing computer processes, functions, and / or algorithms. In various embodiments, the processor 304 is configured to manage the abrasive media level in the cavitation fluid 116 .

[0072] refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4A is a block diagram of one implementation of the processor 304A. In at least the illustrated implementation, the processor 304A includes, among other components, a sensor module 402, a density module 404, and a management module 406A coupled to and / or in communication with one another.

[0073] The sensor module 402 may include any suitable hardware and / or software that can communicate with each sensor in the group of sensors 302. In some embodiments, the sensor module 402 is configured to receive sensor data indicating the density of the abrasive medium in the cavitation fluid 116 detected by one or more sensors 302 in the group of sensors 302. In response to receiving the sensor data, the sensor module 402 is configured to transmit the sensor data to the density module 404 and / or the uniformity module 406 (e.g., see Figure 4B and Figure 4C ).

[0074] The density module 404 may include any suitable hardware and / or software capable of determining a current density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116. In various embodiments, the density module 404 is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor module 402, determine a current density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid, and communicate the current density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid to the management module 406A.

[0075] In some embodiments, the density module 404 is configured to determine the current density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116 based on sensor data generated by a single sensor 302. In further embodiments, the density module 404 is configured to determine the current density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116 based on sensor data generated by multiple sensors 302.

[0076] In various embodiments, the density module 404 is configured to calculate a current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 based on the sensor data generated by the plurality of sensors 302. In some embodiments, the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 is an average of the densities of the grinding media detected by the plurality of sensors 302. In other embodiments, the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 is a median ratio of the densities of the grinding media detected by the plurality of sensors 302. In further embodiments, the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 is a mode of the densities of the grinding media detected by the plurality of sensors 302.

[0077] The density module 404 is also configured to communicate the current density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 to the management module 406A after determining the current density of the grinding media. The density module 404 can communicate the current density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 to the management module 406A continuously, substantially continuously, and / or periodically.

[0078] The management module 406A may include any suitable hardware and / or software that can manage the density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116. In various implementations, the management module 406A is configured to maintain a threshold density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116.

[0079] The management module 406A is configured to determine whether the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid is greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media upon receiving the density of the grinding media from the density module 404. In some embodiments, the management module 406A is configured to transmit a command to the grinding media addition device 148 to add grinding media to the cavitating fluid 116 in the processing tank 114 in response to the management module 406A determining that the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the processing tank 114 is less than the threshold density of the grinding media. The management module 406A may continue to command the grinding media addition device 148 to add grinding media to the cavitating fluid 116 in the processing tank 114 until a subsequent current density of the grinding media received from the density module 404 indicates that the cavitating fluid 116 in the processing tank 114 includes a current density of the grinding media that is greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media. In this manner, the management module 406A may facilitate the addition of grinding media to the cavitating fluid 116 in the processing tank 114.

[0080] In addition, the management module 406A is configured to maintain the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 in response to determining that the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the processing tank 114 is greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media. In other words, the management module 406A is configured to not transmit a command to the grinding media addition device 148 to add grinding media to the cavitating fluid 116 in the processing tank 114 in response to the management module 406A determining that the current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the processing tank 114 is greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media.

[0081] The management module 406A is configured to wait and / or prepare to receive the next current density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 from the density module 404 after determining that the current density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid in the processing tank 114 is greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media. In additional or alternative embodiments, the management module 406A is configured to wait and / or prepare to receive the next current density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 from the density module 404 after commanding the grinding media addition device 148 to add grinding media to the cavitation fluid 116 in the processing tank 114.

[0082] refer to Figure 4B , Figure 4Bis a block diagram of another embodiment of processor 304B. In at least the illustrated embodiment, processor 304B includes, among other components, a sensor module 402, a uniformity module 408, and a management module 406B similar to processor 304A coupled and / or in communication with one another.

[0083] The uniformity module 408 may include any suitable hardware and / or software that can determine the uniformity of the density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid 116. In various embodiments, the uniformity module 408 is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor module 402, determine whether one or more locations in the processing tank 114 include a density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid 116 that is less than other locations in the processing tank 114, and transmit the locations in the processing tank 114 that include a density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid 116 that is less than other locations in the processing tank 114 to the management module 406B.

[0084] The uniformity module 408 can use any suitable technique or process to determine whether one or more locations in the processing tank 114 include a density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 that is less than other locations in the processing tank 114. In determining whether one or more locations in the processing tank 114 include a density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 that is less than other locations in the processing tank 114, in some embodiments, the uniformity module 408 is configured to compare the density of grinding media detected by each sensor 302 and identify the locations that include a density of grinding media that is less than other locations. In additional or alternative embodiments, the uniformity module 404 is configured to determine the locations in the processing tank 114 that include the greatest density of grinding media and identify the remaining locations in the processing tank 114 as including a density of grinding media that is less than other locations or as locations having the greatest density of grinding media.

[0085] The uniformity module 408 is also configured to communicate locations including a density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid 116 that is less than other locations to the management module 406B. The uniformity module 408 may communicate the location to the management module 406A continuously, substantially continuously, and / or periodically.

[0086] The management module 406B may include any suitable hardware and / or software that can manage the uniformity of the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116. In some embodiments, the management module 406B is configured to transmit a command to the grinding media dispensing device 132 to disperse the grinding media into the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 114 in response to the management module 406B receiving a location in the treatment tank 114 that includes a density of grinding media that is less than other locations in the treatment tank 114. The management module 406B may continue to command the grinding media dispensing device 132 to disperse the grinding media within the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 114 until subsequent grinding media densities received from the uniformity module 408 indicate that the cavitation fluid 116 in the treatment tank 114 includes a uniform density of grinding media and / or does not include a location in the treatment tank 114 that includes a density of grinding media that is less than other locations in the treatment tank 114.

[0087] In this manner, management module 406B can facilitate dispersing the grinding media within cavitation fluid 116 and / or facilitate ensuring that the grinding media is evenly distributed within processing tank 114. Management module 406B is configured to wait for and / or receive the next position in processing tank 114 to disperse the grinding media from uniformity module 408.

[0088] refer to Figure 4C , Figure 4C is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of processor 304C. In at least the illustrated embodiment, processor 304C includes, among other components, a sensor module 402 similar to processors 304A and 304B, a density module 404 similar to processor 304A, a uniformity module 408 similar to processor 304B, and a management module 406C coupled and / or in communication with one another.

[0089] The management module 406C may include any suitable hardware and / or software that can manage the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 and manage the uniformity of the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 throughout the processing tank 114. In various embodiments, the management module 406C is configured to perform various operations and / or processes of the management module 406A and the management module 406B discussed elsewhere herein.

[0090] Figure 6One embodiment of an input device 112 is shown. In the example shown, the input device 112 defines a cavitation nozzle. The input device 112 includes a nozzle cover 602 disposed in a flow guide tube 604. A cavitator 606 is spaced apart from a nozzle plate 608 by a spacer 610 and is positioned in the nozzle cover 602 to change the flow of high pressure water through the cavitation nozzle. The change in the flow rate of the water and the interaction with the cavitation fluid 116 can cause a cavitation cloud 118. A plurality of cavitation bubbles comprising the cavitation cloud 118 can swirl in a vortex or tornado shape.

[0091] The abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116 introduces a plurality of abrasive media particles 612 into the cavitation cloud 118. The abrasive media may gain velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy from the cavitation cloud 118 and mix with the cavitation bubbles.

[0092] Figure 7 A workpiece 120 is shown supported by a table 702 in a rotating mixture of cavitation bubbles and abrasive media. Figure 7 18 (shown in Figure 1) can be directed toward the table 702. When the bubbles of the cavitation fluid 116 collapse, the particles 612 of the grinding medium are excited and stimulated. The microjets generated by the collapsing bubbles collectively accelerate the movement of the particles 612. When the mixture of bubbles and grinding media contacts the rough surface 704 of the workpiece 120, the particles 612 impact the surface 704 and remove material from the surface 704. That is, the grinding media is strongly acted upon by the cavitation cloud 118 to flatten the surface 704. The rotation and multi-directional movement of the cavitation cloud 118 causes the grinding media to contact the tight corners, gaps and / or internal features and other exposed areas of the surface 704.

[0093] Normal cavitation peening may also occur when cavitation bubbles interact directly with the surface 704 of the workpiece 120. The surface 704 may thereby be peened, which improves residual stress and fatigue strength, and cleans the surface 704, making it ready for painting or use in an aircraft.

[0094] like Figure 8As shown, one embodiment of the input device 112 includes an internal nozzle 802 to generate an internal cavitation jet 804 and an external nozzle 806 to generate an external jet 808, the external jet 808 comprising a pressure less than the internal cavitation jet 804. The internal nozzle 802 includes a cavitator 810, a spacer 812, and a nozzle plate 814 to change the flow of pressurized water and produce the cavitation cloud 118, and the external nozzle 806 includes a geometry suitable for reducing the pressure of water for the external jet 808. That is, the internal nozzle 802 defines an internal channel for the internal cavitation jet 804, and the external channel is used to define the external jet 808 between the internal nozzle 802 and the external nozzle 806. In some embodiments, in addition to the pump 164 (see Figure 2 ) in addition to the pressurized water supplied by the input device 112, the input device 112 can also separately supply low-pressure water (not shown).

[0095] Figure 8 It is also shown that when the inner cavitating jet 804 and the outer jet 808 exit the input device 112, the outer jet 808 forms a shell of water (or other fluid) substantially surrounding the cavitating jet 804 and the resulting cavitation cloud 118. Abrasive media in the cavitating fluid 116 excited by the cavitation cloud 118. A portion of the rough surface 816 of the workpiece 120 can be finished and peened by the particles 818 of the abrasive media and the cavitation cloud 118.

[0096] Reference again Figure 2 In some embodiments, the input device 112 is configured to be used while in a fixed or stationary position. The workpiece 120 can be completely surrounded by and / or engulfed by the cavitation cloud 118. Alternatively, the workpiece 120 can be moved by a mobile stage (e.g., Figure 7 The input device 112 is supported by a stage 702 in the embodiment of the present invention to bring new portions of the workpiece 120 into the cavitation cloud 118 as surface finishing is completed. In other embodiments, the input device 112 can be integrated into a wand or other movable structure to allow the multi-axis robot 115 to guide the input device 112 (e.g., manually and / or automatically).

[0097] In some embodiments, the input device 112 and the multi-axis robot 115 are used for finishing of on-site processing or repair work. The input device 112 and the multi-axis robot 115 can be configured for transport to a worksite and can include an adapter or connector (not shown) to receive pressurized water from various external systems, or can be otherwise made portable. In other embodiments, the input device 112 and the multi-axis robot 115 can be suitable for use in large projects where immersion of one or more workpieces 120 in a fluid tank (e.g., the processing tank 114) is prohibited.

[0098] Fig. 9AAn initial surface 902A of a workpiece 120 is shown undergoing a fluid cavitation abrasive surface finishing process. Fig. 9A , the first abrasive medium 904 is stimulated by the cavitation cloud 118 interacting with one or more prominent peaks 906 of the initial surface 902A, which removes material from the surface 902 and degrades the peaks 906 . Fig. 9B The finished surface 902B of the workpiece 120 is shown wherein the peaks 906 have been flattened and the workpiece has been finished to a desired flatness (eg, less than 100 μM, among other flatnesses possible and contemplated herein).

[0099] Grinding media 904 may include particles of any suitable material, any suitable ANSI particle size or size, and / or may include any suitable abrasive material and / or a mixture of abrasive media. Examples of abrasive media 904 include, but are not limited to, metal, glass, ceramic, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, pumice, nut shells, corn cobs, and / or plastic abrasive particles, as well as other materials and / or combinations of materials that may and are expected herein. Each abrasive media 904 may include particles that include a size in the range of about 10 ANSI particle size to about 1200 ANSI particle size, as well as other ANSI particle sizes that may and are expected herein that are greater than 1200 ANSI particle size and less than 10 ANSI particle size. A mixture of abrasive materials and / or abrasive media may include any combination of two or more abrasive materials, a mixture of abrasive materials and non-abrasive materials, a combination of two or more abrasive materials and non-abrasive materials, a combination of abrasive materials and two or more non-abrasive materials, and a combination of two or more abrasive materials and two or more non-abrasive materials.

[0100] In one non-limiting finishing example, a metal surface having a Ra greater than 100 μM can be finished with a glass abrasive including an ANSI grit size in the range of about 100 ANSI grit to about 500 ANSI grit. In another non-limiting example, a plastic surface having a Ra of about 1,000 μM can be finished with a nut shell abrasive including an ANSI grit size of about 10 ANSI grit. In yet another non-limiting example, a plastic surface having a Ra of about 1,000 μM can be finished with a pumice abrasive including an ANSI grit size in the range of about 50 ANSI grit to about 100 ANSI grit.

[0101] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , shows another embodiment of a fluid cavitation system 100B that can manage abrasive media in a cavitation fluid. At least in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid cavitation system 100B includes, among other components, similar to Figure 1The cavitation finishing system 102 and the abrasive media management system 106 , the recirculation system 104B, and the pressurized water system 1002 of the fluid cavitation system 100A shown and discussed in FIG. 9 .

[0102] refer to Fig.11 The recirculation system 104B is configured to recirculate, redistribute and / or recirculate the grinding media to the cavitation finishing system 102. The recirculation system 104B at least partially provides a mechanism and / or process for managing the grinding media level in the processing tank 114.

[0103] The recirculation system 104B includes an overflow output 136, a recirculation tank 138 that can store the overflow cavitation fluid 116A, and, in some cases, can include a layer 142 of grinding media at the bottom, a conduit 140, a pump 144, a pump 146, a grinding media addition device 148 that adds grinding media from the layer 142 to the treatment tank 114 in the fan 150, a filter 152, a pump 154 ​​that can reintroduce filtered grinding media 156 to the recirculation tank 138 via a return line 158, and a fan 150 similar to the above referenced device. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pressure / control valve 160 of the recirculation system 104A is shown and discussed.

[0104] At least in the illustrated embodiment, the recirculation system 104B also includes an overflow output 158 ​​coupled to the filter 152. The overflow output 158 ​​can be any suitable overflow (e.g., a drain / conduit, a hole / conduit, a funnel / conduit, etc.) that can remove filtered excess overflow cavitation fluid 116A from the recirculation tank 138.

[0105] like Fig.11 As shown, the pressurized water system 1002 includes a water source 1104 coupled to a pump 1106 (e.g., a pressure pump). The water source 1104 may include any suitable water source, including but not limited to a tank and / or a reservoir, etc., as well as other types of water sources possible and contemplated herein. In various embodiments, the water source 1104 is a clean and / or pure water source.

[0106] The pump 1106 pumps and / or supplies water from the water source 1104 to the multi-axis robot 115 in the cavitation finishing system 102 via the conduit 1108. In this manner, the fluid cavitation system 100B defines an open loop system.

[0107] refer to Figures 12 to 18 , Figures 12 to 181 is a flow chart illustrating various embodiments of methods 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, and 1800 for managing abrasive media in a cavitating fluid. The various methods 800, 302, 1000, 1100 can more effectively perform fluid cavitation processing by managing abrasive media in a cavitating fluid 116 because the cavitating fluid environment can include an appropriate density of abrasive media and / or a uniform density of abrasive media throughout the processing tank 114.

[0108] Method 1200 (see Fig.12 ) begins with the processor 304 determining the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 stored in the processing tank 114 (block 1202). The density may be determined at one or more locations in the processing tank 114. In addition, the density of the grinding media may include an average density, a median density, or a mode density of the grinding media in the processing tank 114.

[0109] The processor 304 maintains the density of the grinding media at a level greater than or equal to a threshold density of the grinding media (block 1204). To maintain the density of the grinding media at a level greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media, the processor 304 may add recycled grinding media to the processing tank 114 as needed.

[0110] Method 1300 (see Fig.13 ) begins with the processor 304 determining the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 at a plurality of different locations in the process tank 114 (block 1302). The density may be determined at different locations using the set 302 of sensors.

[0111] The processor 304 maintains uniformity of the density of the grinding media throughout the process tank 114 (block 1304). To maintain uniformity of the density of the grinding media throughout the process tank 114, the processor 304 may disperse the settled grinding media to one or more locations in the process tank 114 as desired.

[0112] Method 1400 (see Fig.14 ) begins with the processor 304 determining the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 stored in the processing tank 114 (block 1402). The density may be determined at a plurality of different locations in the processing tank 114. In addition, the density of the grinding media may include an average density, a median density, or a mode density of the grinding media in the processing tank 114.

[0113] The processor 304 maintains the density of the grinding media at a level greater than or equal to a threshold density of the grinding media (block 1404). To maintain the density of the grinding media at a level greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media, the processor 304 may add recycled grinding media to the processing tank 114 as needed.

[0114] The processor 304 also maintains uniformity of the density of the grinding media throughout the process tank 114 (block 1406). To maintain uniformity of the density of the grinding media throughout the process tank 114, the processor 304 may disperse the precipitated grinding media to one or more locations in the process tank 114 as needed.

[0115] Method 1500 (see Fig.15 ) begins with the processor 304 determining the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 stored in the processing tank 114 (block 1502). The density may be determined at one or more locations in the processing tank 114. In addition, the density of the grinding media may include an average, median, or mode or other calculated representation of the density of the grinding media in the processing tank 114.

[0116] The processor 304 determines whether the determined density of the grinding media in the treatment tank 114 is less than a threshold density of the grinding media (block 1504). If the determined density of the grinding media in the treatment tank 114 is less than the threshold density of the grinding media (e.g., "yes" in block 1504), the processor 304 adds recycled grinding media (e.g., from the recycling system 104) to the treatment tank 114 (block 1506) and continues to determine the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 stored in the treatment tank 114 in block 1502. If the determined density of the grinding media in the treatment tank 114 is greater than or equal to the threshold density of the grinding media (e.g., "no" in block 1504), the processor 304 performs a fluid cavitation process (block 1600), one embodiment of which is described in detail in FIG. Fig.16 Shown and referenced in Fig.16 Have a discussion.

[0117] Method 1600 (see Fig.16 ) begins with the processor 304 discharging a fluid stream (e.g., water) toward the workpiece 120 in an environment (e.g., a processing tank 114) of a cavitating fluid 116 (block 1602). The fluid combined with the cavitating fluid 116 forms a cavitation cloud 118 including a plurality of cavitation bubbles (block 1604).

[0118] The cavitation cloud 118 and / or cavitation bubbles activate the abrasive medium in the cavitation fluid 116 in the environment (block 1606). The abrasive medium activated by the cavitation cloud 118 and / or cavitation bubbles is used to remove material from the surface of the workpiece 120 (block 1608).

[0119] Method 1700 (see Fig.17) begins with the processor 304 determining the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 in a plurality of different locations within the process tank 114 (block 1702). The density may be determined at different locations using the set 302 of sensors.

[0120] The processor 304 determines whether one or more locations include a density of grinding media that is less than the density of grinding media at one or more other locations (block 1704). If the density of grinding media at one or more locations is less than the density of grinding media at other locations (e.g., "yes" in block 1704), the processor 304 (e.g., via the grinding media distribution device 132) disperses the precipitated grinding media to the location (block 1706) to increase the uniformity of the grinding media throughout the processing tank 114. If the density of grinding media at different locations is approximately equal (e.g., "no" in block 1704), then in block 1702, the processor 304 continues to determine the density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid 116 at multiple different locations.

[0121] Method 1800 (see Fig.18 ) begins with the processor 304 determining the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid 116 stored in the processing tank 114 (block 1802). The density may be determined at one or more locations in the processing tank 114. In addition, the density of the grinding media may include an average density, a median density, or a mode density of the grinding media in the processing tank 114.

[0122] Processor 304 executes method 1500, which may also include executing method 1600 (block 1804), each of which is discussed elsewhere herein. Processor 304 also executes method 1700 (block 1806), which is discussed elsewhere herein.

[0123] In the above description, certain terms such as "on...", "below...", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "above...", "below...", etc. may be used. Where applicable, these terms are used to provide some clear description when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms are not intended to mean absolute relationships, positions and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an "upper" surface can be turned into a "lower" surface by simply turning the object over. However, it is still the same object. In addition, unless otherwise expressly provided, the terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations mean "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise expressly provided, a list of enumerated items does not mean that any or all items are mutually exclusive and / or mutually inclusive. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the terms "one", "an" and "the" also refer to "one or more". In addition, the term "multiple" may be limited to "at least two". In addition, unless otherwise stated, as defined herein, multiple specific features do not necessarily mean each specific feature of the entire group or class of specific features.

[0124] In addition, in this specification, examples of an element being "coupled" to another element may include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Direct coupling may be defined as an element being coupled to another element and making some contact with the other element. Indirect coupling may be defined as a coupling between two elements that are not in direct contact with each other, but have one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. In addition, as used herein, fixing an element to another element may include direct fixing and indirect fixing. In addition, as used herein, "adjacent" does not necessarily mean contact. For example, an element may be adjacent to another element without contacting the element.

[0125] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of the items in the list may be required. An item may be a specific object, thing, or category. In other words, "at least one" means that any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all items in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may mean, for example, but not limited to, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

[0126] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose order, position, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Furthermore, reference to an item, such as a "second," does not require or preclude the existence of an item, such as a "first," or lower-numbered item, and / or an item, such as a "third," or higher-numbered item.

[0127] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" may mean "one or more" unless expressly specified otherwise. The term "sets" may mean a plurality of "one or more", "ones or more" and / or "ones or more" consistent with set theory unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0128] As used herein, a system, device, structure, article, element, assembly or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any change, rather than merely having the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, a system, device, structure, article, element, assembly or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to" represents an existing characteristic of a system, device, structure, article, element, assembly or hardware that enables the system, device, structure, article, element, assembly or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, device, structure, article, element, assembly or hardware that is described as "configured to" perform a specific function may be additionally or alternatively described as being "suitable for" and / or "operated to" perform the function.

[0129] In addition, the features, advantages, and characteristics of the described embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiment may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

[0130] The present technology may be a system, method and / or computer program product. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform various aspects of the present technology.

[0131] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory ("RAM"), a read-only memory ("ROM"), an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM" or flash memory), a static random access memory ("SRAM"), a portable compact disc read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), a digital versatile disk ("DVD"), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device including a convex structure in a punch card or a groove including instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium itself should not be interpreted as a transient signal such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagated by a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., a light pulse passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted by a wire.

[0132] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. The network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium in the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0133] The computer-readable program instructions for carrying out the operation of the present technology may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, and conventional process programming languages ​​such as "C" programming language, programmable logic computer (PLC) ladder logic, or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as an independent software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection may be established with an external computer (e.g., by using the Internet of an Internet service provider). To perform various aspects of the present technology, in some embodiments, an electronic circuit including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit.

[0134] Various aspects of the present technology are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present technology. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0135] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create a means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks or boxes. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which can instruct the computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other device to work in a specific manner, so that the computer-readable storage medium including the instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture, which includes instructions for implementing various aspects of the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks or boxes.

[0136] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other apparatus, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device, or other apparatus implement the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0137] The schematic flow charts included herein are generally described as logic flow charts. In this way, the depicted order and the marked steps indicate an embodiment of the method presented. Other steps and methods that are equivalent to one or more steps or parts thereof of the method shown in function, logic or effect can be envisioned. In addition, the format and symbols adopted are provided to explain the logical steps of the method, and are understood to not limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types can be adopted in the flow chart, they are understood to not limit the scope of the corresponding method. In fact, some arrows or other connectors can be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For example, an arrow can indicate a waiting or monitoring cycle of an unspecified duration between the enumerated steps of the method shown. In addition, the order in which a particular method occurs may strictly follow or may not strictly follow the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0138] The flowchart and block diagram in the figure show the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present technology. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, fragment or part of an instruction, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some optional implementations, the function marked in the box may not occur in the order marked in the figure. For example, depending on the function involved, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be executed substantially at the same time, or the box can sometimes be executed in the opposite order. It should also be noted that each box illustrated in the block diagram and / or the flowchart and the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or the flowchart can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action or performs a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0139] In order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence, many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit including custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, etc.

[0140] Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. The identified program instruction module can, for example, include one or more physical or logical boxes of computer instructions, which can, for example, be organized as objects, programs or functions. However, the executable files of the identified modules do not need to be physically located together, but can include different (disparate) instructions stored in different (different) locations, which, when logically connected together, include the module and achieve the described purpose of the module.

[0141] In addition, the features, structures or characteristics of the described embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the embodiments.

[0142] The schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram in the figure show the architecture, function and operation that may be realized.It should also be noted that in some optional implementations, the function marked in the frame may not occur in the order marked in the figure.For example, according to the function involved, the two frames shown in succession can actually be performed substantially simultaneously, or the frame can sometimes be performed in reverse order.Although various arrow types and line types can be adopted in flow chart and / or block diagram, they are understood to be not limiting the scope of corresponding embodiment.In fact, some arrows or other connectors can be used to indicate only the exemplary logical flow of the embodiment described.

[0143] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes implementations according to the following clauses:

[0144] Clause 1. A system for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid within a processing tank for performing cavitation peening techniques on a workpiece in the processing tank, the system comprising:

[0145] a set of sensors in communication with the cavitating fluid in the processing tank; and

[0146] A processor coupled to the set of sensors, the processor being configured to:

[0147] determining a density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid in the processing tank in response to input from the set of sensors, and

[0148] Maintaining the density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the processing tank at a level greater than or equal to a threshold level of the grinding media is facilitated.

[0149] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein, to facilitate maintaining the density of the abrasive media in the cavitation fluid in the processing tank, the processor is configured to:

[0150] responsive to detecting that a current level of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid is less than a threshold level of abrasive media, facilitating the addition of abrasive media to the cavitating fluid; and

[0151] In response to detecting that the current level of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid is greater than or equal to the threshold level of abrasive media, the current level of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid is maintained.

[0152] Clause 3. The system of any of Clauses 1 to 2, further comprising a grinding media addition device in communication with the processor and in fluid communication with the process tank, the grinding media addition device being configured to add recirculating grinding media to the cavitating fluid in the process tank.

[0153] Clause 4. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising a grinding media distribution device within the processing tank, the grinding media distribution device being configured to disperse the settled grinding media in the processing tank into the cavitation fluid to increase the uniformity of the grinding media throughout the processing tank.

[0154] Clause 5. A system according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein:

[0155] When determining the density of the grinding media, the processor is configured to calculate an average density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid; and

[0156] The processor is further configured to, in response to determining that the average density of the grinding media is less than a threshold density of the grinding media, command the grinding media addition device to add recycled grinding media to the processing tank to increase the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid.

[0157] Clause 6. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising a grinding media distribution device within the processing tank, the grinding media distribution device being configured to disperse the settled grinding media in the processing tank into the cavitation fluid to increase the uniformity of the grinding media throughout the processing tank.

[0158] Clause 7. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a recirculation system coupled to the treatment tank, the recirculation system being configured to:

[0159] receiving overflow cavitation fluid from the treatment tank; and

[0160] The abrasive media in the overflowing cavitation fluid is supplied back to the processing tank for reuse in the cavitation fluid.

[0161] Clause 8. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising an input device configured to remove material from a surface of the workpiece, wherein:

[0162] an input device coupled to the recirculation system, and

[0163] The recirculation system is configured to supply water to the input device.

[0164] Clause 9. A system according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising:

[0165] an input device configured to remove material from a surface of a workpiece; and

[0166] A water source is coupled to the input device.

[0167] Clause 10. The system of any of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the set of sensors is further configured to facilitate maintaining a uniform density of the abrasive media in the cavitating fluid throughout the process tank.

[0168] Clause 11. A system according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein:

[0169] The set of sensors includes a plurality of sensors;

[0170] Each sensor is in communication with the cavitating fluid at a different location in the process tank; and

[0171] Each sensor is configured to determine a density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid at a corresponding location in the process tank.

[0172] Clause 12. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 11, further comprising a grinding media distribution device within the processing tank, wherein:

[0173] The grinding media distribution device is in communication with the processor,

[0174] The processor is configured to determine a location in the processing tank that includes a density of grinding media that is less than a density of grinding media at another location in the processing tank, and

[0175] The grinding media distribution device is configured to disperse the grinding media at the location to increase the density of the grinding media in the cavitation fluid at the location.

[0176] Clause 13. A method for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid in a processing tank for performing cavitation peening techniques on an object in the processing tank, the method comprising:

[0177] determining, via a processor, a density of abrasive media in a cavitation fluid in a processing tank; and

[0178] The density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the process tank is maintained at a level greater than or equal to a threshold density of the grinding media.

[0179] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein maintaining the density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid in the processing tank comprises adding grinding media from a recirculation system to the cavitating fluid in response to determining that a current level of grinding media in the cavitating fluid is less than a threshold density of grinding media.

[0180] Clause 15. The method of any of Clauses 13 to 14, further comprising dispersing the settled grinding media in the treatment tank to maintain a uniform density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid throughout the treatment tank.

[0181] Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 13 to 15, further comprising dispersing the settled grinding media in the treatment tank to maintain a uniform density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid throughout the treatment tank.

[0182] Clause 17. The method according to any one of clauses 13 to 16 further includes determining a location in the processing tank, the corresponding density of the grinding media included in the location being less than the corresponding density of the grinding media at another location in the processing tank, wherein dispersing the precipitated grinding media includes dispersing the precipitated grinding media to the location in response to the determination.

[0183] Clause 18. The method of any of Clauses 13 to 17, wherein determining the density of the grinding media comprises calculating an average value of the density of the grinding media based on a plurality of densities of the grinding media detected at different locations in the process tank.

[0184] Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 13 to 18, further comprising: determining a location in the process tank that includes a corresponding density of grinding media that is less than a corresponding density of grinding media at another location in the process tank; and

[0185] In response to the determination, the settled grinding media in the process tank is dispersed to the location to maintain a uniform density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid throughout the process tank.

[0186] Clause 20. An apparatus for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid in a processing tank for performing cavitation peening techniques on workpieces in the processing tank, the apparatus comprising:

[0187] a sensor module configured to detect a density of a grinding medium in a cavitation fluid in a processing tank;

[0188] a density module configured to add recirculated grinding media to the cavitating fluid in response to detecting that a current density of the grinding media in the cavitating fluid is less than a threshold density of the grinding media; and

[0189] A uniformity module is configured to disperse the precipitated grinding media to the location in the process tank to increase the uniformity of the density of the grinding media in the process tank in response to determining that the location includes a corresponding density of grinding media that is less than the corresponding density of grinding media in another area of ​​the process tank.

[0190] Without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the subject matter, the subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms. The described embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. All changes within the meaning and equivalent range of the technical solution are included within the scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. A system (100A, 100B) for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid (116) in a processing tank (114), for performing a cavitation peening technique (1600) on a workpiece (120) in the processing tank (114), the system (100A, 100B) comprising: a set (302) of sensors in communication with the cavitation fluid (116) in the treatment tank (114); as well as A processor (304) coupled to the set (302) of sensors, the processor (304) being configured to: determining a density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid (116) in the processing tank (114) in response to input from the set (302) of sensors, and facilitating maintaining the density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid (116) in the treatment tank (114) at a level greater than or equal to a threshold level of grinding media, Also included is a grinding media addition device (148) in fluid communication with the processor (304) and in fluid communication with the processing tank (114), the grinding media addition device being configured to add recycled grinding media to the cavitation fluid (116) in the processing tank (114), in: In determining the density of the grinding medium, the processor (304) is configured to calculate an average density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid (116); as well as The processor (304) is also configured to, in response to determining that the average density of grinding media is less than a threshold density of grinding media, command the grinding media addition device (148) to add the recycled grinding media to the processing tank (114) to increase the density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid (116).

2. The system (100A, 100B) according to claim 1, wherein: To facilitate maintaining the density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid (116) in the processing tank (114), the processor (304) is configured to: responsive to detecting that a current level of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) is less than the threshold level of abrasive media, facilitating the addition of abrasive media to the cavitating fluid (116); as well as In response to detecting that the current level of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) is greater than or equal to the threshold level of abrasive media, the current level of abrasive media in the cavitating fluid (116) is maintained.

3. The system (100A, 100B) according to claim 1 further includes a grinding medium distribution device (132) in the processing tank (114), wherein the grinding medium distribution device is configured to disperse the precipitated grinding medium in the processing tank (114) into the cavitation fluid (116) to increase the uniformity of the grinding medium in the entire processing tank (114).

4. The system (100A, 100B) of claim 1, further comprising a recirculation system (104A, 104B) coupled to the treatment tank (114), the recirculation system being configured to: receiving overflow cavitation fluid (116A) from the treatment tank (114); and The abrasive media in the overflowing cavitation fluid is supplied back to the processing tank (114) for reuse in the cavitation fluid (116).

5. The system (100A, 100B) of claim 1, wherein: The sensor group (302) includes a plurality of sensors; Each sensor is in communication with the cavitation fluid (116) at a different location in the treatment tank (114); and Each sensor is configured to determine a density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid (116) at a corresponding location in the process tank (114).

6. A method (1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1700, 1800) for managing abrasive media in a cavitation fluid (116) in a processing tank (114) for performing a cavitation peening technique (1600) on an object in the processing tank (114), the method comprising: determining, via a processor (304), a density of abrasive media in the cavitation fluid (116) in the processing tank (114); as well as maintaining the density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid (116) in the treatment tank (114) at a level greater than or equal to a threshold density of grinding media, Also included is adding recirculating grinding media to the cavitation fluid (116) in the treatment tank (114), in: In determining the density of the grinding medium, the processor (304) is configured to calculate an average density of the grinding medium in the cavitation fluid (116); as well as In response to determining that the average density of grinding media is less than a threshold density of grinding media, the recycled grinding media is added to the treatment tank (114) to increase the density of grinding media in the cavitation fluid (116).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Maintaining the density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid (116) in the processing tank (114) includes, in response to determining that a current level of grinding media in the cavitating fluid (116) is less than the threshold density of grinding media, adding grinding media from a recirculation system (104A, 104B) to the cavitating fluid (116), and dispersing settled grinding media in the processing tank (114) to maintain a uniform density of grinding media in the cavitating fluid (116) throughout the processing tank (114).

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising determining a location in the processing tank (114), comprising determining that a corresponding density of the grinding media at the location is less than a corresponding density of the grinding media at another location in the processing tank (114), wherein Dispersing the settled grinding media includes dispersing the settled grinding media to the location in response to the determination.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Determining the density of the grinding media includes calculating an average value of the density of the grinding media based on a plurality of densities of the grinding media detected at different locations in the processing tank (114).

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