System and method for surface treatment of the inner surface of a part

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system and method for surface treating an inner surface of a part. The system includes a box in which the part can be located. The system also includes a fluid, the fluid is located in the box, and when the part is located in the box, the fluid can immerse the part. The system further includes a nozzle, the nozzle is immersed in the fluid and is configured to produce a jet of cavitating fluid directed in a first direction. In addition, the system includes a deflection tool, the deflection tool is immersed in the fluid and includes a deflection surface that redirects the jet of cavitating fluid from the first direction to a second direction. The first direction is away from the inner surface of the part and the second direction faces the inner surface of the part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid cavitation processing of manufactured parts, and more particularly to surface processing of inaccessible surfaces of manufactured parts using fluid cavitation processing. Background Art

[0002] The surface of a manufactured part is treated using a fluid cavitation process. According to some techniques, the surface of a manufactured part is shot peened using a fluid cavitation process to produce a residual compressive stress layer and modify the mechanical properties of the part. In other techniques, abrasive media are introduced into the fluid cavitation process to aid in finishing and reduce the surface roughness of the manufactured part. For certain complex parts or complex features such as parts manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, it is difficult to access hard-to-reach surfaces of the part using a cavitating fluid. Summary of the invention

[0003] The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the prior art, and in particular, in response to the shortcomings of fluid cavitation processing techniques for treating hard-to-reach surfaces of manufactured parts, i.e., in response to shortcomings that have not been fully addressed by currently available techniques. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a fluid cavitation system and method for treating hard-to-reach surfaces of manufactured parts that overcomes at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art described above.

[0004] Disclosed herein is a system for surface treating the inner surface of a part. The system includes a box in which the part is located. The system also includes a fluid, which is located in the box and can immerse the part when the part is located in the box. The system further includes a nozzle, which is immersed in the fluid and is configured to produce a jet of cavitating fluid directed in a first direction. In addition, the system includes a deflection tool, which is immersed in the fluid and includes a deflection surface that redirects the jet of cavitating fluid from the first direction to a second direction. The first direction is away from the inner surface of the part and the second direction faces the inner surface of the part. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0005] When the part is in the box, the nozzle does not have a line of sight to the inner surface of the part. When the part is in the box, the deflection surface has a line of sight to the inner surface of the part. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 2 also includes subject matter according to embodiment 1 above.

[0006] The deflection tool is secured to the box at a location adjacent to the part when the part is located within the box.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 3 also includes subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2 above.

[0007] The deflection tool is secured to the part within a recess of the part. The recess of the part defines an inner surface. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 4 also includes subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2 above.

[0008] The deflection surface is flat. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 5 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 5 also includes the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4 above.

[0009] The deflection surface is curved. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 6 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 6 also includes the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 above.

[0010] The deflection surface is concave. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 7 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 7 also includes the subject matter described in accordance with embodiment 6 above.

[0011] The deflection surface is convex. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 8 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 8 also includes the subject matter described in accordance with embodiment 6 above.

[0012] The deflection tool comprises a sphere and the deflection surface is a surface of the sphere.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 9 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 9 also includes the subject matter described in accordance with embodiment 8 above.

[0013] The deflection tool further comprises at least two deflection surfaces.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 10 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 10 further comprises the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9 above.

[0014] The deflection surface has a profile that is complementary to the profile of the inner surface of the part.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 11 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 11 also includes subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10 above.

[0015] The second direction is perpendicular to the inner surface. The aforementioned subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 12 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 12 also includes the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 above.

[0016] The part includes a rectangular shaped slot. The inner surface includes four sides each perpendicular to an adjacent side. When the part is located in the box, the deflection tool is located in the rectangular shaped slot. The deflection tool includes four deflection surfaces, each of which is configured to direct a portion of a jet of the cavitation fluid toward a corresponding one of the four sides of the inner surface. The aforementioned subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 13 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 13 also includes the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1, 2, and 4 to 12 above.

[0017] The ductility of the deflection surface of the deflection tool is greater than the ductility of the part.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 14 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 14 also includes the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13 above.

[0018] The jet of cavitating fluid is configured to exert compressive stress on the part at the inner surface when contacting the inner surface of the part.The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 15 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 15 also includes subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 above.

[0019] The system further includes abrasive media mixed with the fluid in the tank. The jet of cavitating fluid further includes abrasive media. The abrasive media in the jet of cavitating fluid is configured to reduce the roughness of the inner surface of the part when contacting the inner surface of the part. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 16 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 16 also includes the subject matter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14 above.

[0020] Further disclosed herein is a method for surface treating an inner surface of a part. The method includes: directing a jet of cavitation fluid in a first direction deflecting from the inner surface of the part to contact a deflection surface of a deflection tool. The method also includes: directing a jet of cavitation fluid in a second direction away from the deflection surface toward the inner surface of the part. In addition, the method includes: impacting the inner surface of the part with the jet of cavitation fluid deflected away from the deflection surface. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 17 of the present disclosure.

[0021] Impacting the inner surface of the part with a jet of cavitating fluid includes applying compressive stress to the part at the inner surface. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 18 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 18 also includes subject matter according to embodiment 17 above.

[0022] The method further includes: introducing abrasive media into the jet of cavitating fluid. Using the jet of cavitating fluid to impact the inner surface of the part includes: using the abrasive media introduced into the jet of cavitating fluid to impact the inner surface of the part and using the abrasive media to reduce the surface roughness of the inner surface of the part. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 19 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 19 also includes the subject matter described in embodiment 17 above.

[0023] At least a portion of the deflection tool is located within the recess of the part. The jet of cavitation fluid in the first direction is at least partially directed into the recess of the part. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph is characterized by embodiment 20 of the present disclosure, wherein embodiment 20 also includes subject matter according to any one of embodiments 17 to 19 above.

[0024] In one or more embodiments and / or implementations, the features, structures, advantages, and / or characteristics of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided so that the embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are fully understood. Those skilled in the relevant art should recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure can be realized in the case of one or more specific features, details, parts, materials, and / or methods of the implementation without specific illustrative implementations. In other examples, additional features and advantages that do not exist in all embodiments or implementations can be identified in specific embodiments and / or implementations. Further, in some examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid ambiguity in various aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. From the following description and the attached technical solutions, the features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more easily apparent, or the features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure can be known by the realization of the subject matter set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] 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 developed by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a system for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart of a method for surface treatment of an inner surface of a part according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language refer to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an example included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Throughout this specification, the appearance of the sentences "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language may refer to, but do not necessarily all refer to, the same embodiment. Similarly, use of the term "implementation" refers to an implementation having specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, the lack of an express association means that an implementation may be associated with one or more embodiments in other ways.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments, described herein is a system 100 for surface treating an inner surface 142 of a part 140. The system 100 includes a tank 102, and the part 140 is located in the tank 102. The system 100 also includes a fluid 104 located in the tank 102. When the part 140 is located in the tank 102, the fluid 104 can immerse the part 140. The system 100 also includes a nozzle 120 immersed in the fluid 104. The nozzle 120 is configured to generate a jet of cavitation fluid 122 directed in a first direction 150. In addition, the system 100 includes a deflection tool 144 immersed in the fluid 104. The deflection tool 144 includes a deflection surface 146 that redirects the jet of cavitation fluid 122 from the first direction 150 to a second direction 152. The first direction 150 is offset from the inner surface 142 of the part 140 and the second direction 152 is facing the inner surface 142 of the part 140.

[0037] The system 100 facilitates enhanced fluid cavitation processing (e.g., cavitation peening or cavitation abrasive surface finishing) on ​​surfaces of a part 140 that are not within the line of sight of the nozzle 120. For example, in a particular implementation, the nozzle 120 does not have a line of sight to the interior surface 142 of the part 140 to be surface finished when the part 140 is within the tank 102. However, in this implementation, the deflection surface 146 has a line of sight to the interior surface 142 of the part 140 to be surface finished when the part 140 is within the tank 102. The directivity of the jet of cavitation fluid 122 reaching the surface of the part 140 is thereby facilitated with an intensity that is not achievable without the deflection tool 144.

[0038] The tank 102 is configured to contain a fluid 104. Generally, the tank 102 includes a bottom and sides extending upward from the bottom. The sides are coupled to each other to laterally close the tank 102. The top of the tank 102 is at least partially open, allowing the fluid 104 to be poured into the tank 102 and providing a passage for the nozzle 120 to be located within the fluid 104 in the tank 102. The tank 102 is filled with enough fluid 104 to completely submerge the part 140, the deflection tool 144, and the nozzle 120 in the fluid 104. In some embodiments, the fluid 104 is water, and in other embodiments, the fluid 104 is a fluid other than water.

[0039] The nozzle 120 forms part of the jet generation subsystem 106 of the system 100. The jet generation subsystem 106 allows the nozzle 120 to generate a jet of cavitation fluid 122. In a particular embodiment, in addition to the nozzle 120, the jet generation subsystem 106 includes a fluid source 110, a pump 112, a valve 114, and a series of pipes 116. The pipes 116 fluidically couple the fluid source 110, the pump, the valve 114, and the nozzle 120. The pump 112 draws the fluid 104 from the fluid source 110 and supplies the fluid 104 to the valve 114. The valve 114 is a pressure regulating valve configured to regulate the pressure of the fluid 104 before supplying the fluid 104 to the nozzle 120. In some implementations, the valve 114 is an electrically controlled valve that pressurizes the fluid 104 to a desired and adjustable pressure. The valve 114 facilitates controlling the flow rate of the fluid 104 supplied to the nozzle 120. The pressure and flow rate of the fluid 104 supplied to the nozzle 120 proportionally affects the energy of the jet of cavitation fluid 122. Accordingly, the energy of the jet of cavitation fluid 122, and thereby the level of surface treatment, may be adjusted via control of the valve 114.

[0040] The nozzle 120 is any of a variety of devices configured to introduce a high pressure fluid into the fluid 104 by producing a high velocity jet (e.g., a cloud, a jet, etc.) of a cavitating fluid 122. The cavitating fluid 122 is a fluid containing pockets 124 or small, liquid-free bubbles that are formed due to rapid changes in the pressure of the fluid 104 or other forces acting on the fluid 104. When pockets 124 containing low pressure vapor or air are subjected to high pressure, the pockets 124 implode, thereby generating a shock wave of the fluid. After the pockets 124 impact the surface of the part, the high pressure required to cause the pockets 124 to implode can be generated by the accumulation of fluid pressure on the pockets 124. The shock wave generated by the implosion of the pockets 124 is directed to the surface of the part. Depending on the energy of the shock wave, the force of the shock wave can impose residual compressive stresses on the part. This process is referred to as cavitation. Figure 1 Fluid cavitation peening as described in . Figure 2 , the energy of the jet of cavitation fluid 122 is reduced by adding abrasive media 128 to the fluid 104 in the tank 102 and the introduction of abrasive media 128 into the cavitation fluid 122 utilizes shock waves to drive the abrasive media 128 to the surface of the part, thereby smoothing the surface (i.e., reducing roughness) by removing material from the surface. Figures 3 to 8 The systems 100 are not shown, however, in some embodiments, these systems 100 also include an abrasive medium 128 located in the fluid 104 of the tank 102 to help reduce the roughness of the surface of the part by introducing the abrasive medium 128 into the cavitating fluid 122.

[0041] Thus, in some embodiments, the nozzle 120 is configured to rapidly change the pressure of the fluid 104 passing through the nozzle 120 to form air pockets 124 in the fluid 104 and transform the fluid 104 into a jet of cavitating fluid 122 .

[0042] Although not shown, however, the system 100 can include a multi-axis robot coupled to one or more components of the jet generation subsystem 106, such as the nozzle 120. The robot is configured to move and orient the nozzle 120 within the tank 102. In this manner, the nozzle 120 can be operated to direct a jet of the cavitation fluid 122 from any location within the tank 102 in any direction (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7). Despite the ability to manipulate the position and directivity of the jet of cavitation fluid 122 by moving and orienting the nozzle 120 in this manner, however, for some complex parts, such as parts with inner surfaces, it is not possible to fully manipulate the nozzle 120 to direct the jet of cavitation fluid 122 from the nozzle 120 directly to the inner surface of the part due to the obstruction created by the part. For this reason, the system 100 includes a deflection tool 144 that allows the jet of cavitation fluid 122 (initially not directly aligned with the inner surface of the part) to be redirected to be directly aligned with the inner surface of the part.

[0043] The deflection tool 144 of the system 100 is located within the tank 102 adjacent to or coupled to the part 140 of the surface to be treated. More specifically, the deflection tool 144 is located and positioned to receive the jet of cavitation fluid 122 from the nozzle 120 at one or more deflection surfaces 146 of the deflection tool 144 and redirect the jet of cavitation fluid 122 at one or more interior surfaces 142 of the part 140.

[0044] Part 140 has a complex shape. As used herein, a complex shape is any shape having a recess 141 or a partially enclosed portion. Inner surfaces 142 are surfaces that define the recess 141 or partially enclosed portion of part 140. More specifically, in some embodiments, inner surfaces 142 of part 140 are those surfaces that are not within the line of sight of nozzle 120. For example, referring to Figure 1 , the recess 141 is a side groove in the part 140, that is, the side of the part is open. The inner surface 142 defines the side groove and includes a side groove. Figure 1 The more angled position shown also obstructs portions of most of the line of sight of the nozzle 120. Because portions of the inner surface 142 of the recess 141 obstruct the nozzle 120, the jet of cavitation fluid 122 generated by the nozzle 120 may not reach these obstructed portions of the inner surface 142 at all or with sufficient intensity to effectively surface treat the obstructed portions. More specifically, although the jet of cavitation fluid 122 includes some omnidirectional flow of air pockets 124, and thus some surfaces of the part 140 that are not in the line of sight of the nozzle 120 may be impacted by some of the air pockets 124, the amount or intensity of the air pockets 124 impacting these surfaces may not be sufficient to effectively surface treat the surfaces.

[0045] The deflection surface 146 of the deflection tool 144 helps redirect the jet of cavitation fluid 122 toward the inner surface 142, thereby increasing the amount or intensity of the air pockets 124 that impact the inner surface 142, thereby improving the surface treatment of the inner surface 142. Generally, in certain embodiments, the deflection surface 146 has a profile that is complementary to the profile of the inner surface 142 of the part 140. As used herein, in one embodiment, when the deflection surface 146 is shaped in response to the shape of the inner surface 142, it can be considered that the profile of the deflection surface 146 is complementary to the profile of the inner surface 142 of the part 140 so that the jet of cavitation fluid 122 deflected away from the deflection surface 146 is directed toward the inner surface 142.

[0046] Because the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 includes an omnidirectional flow of the pockets 124, the jet expands or diverges when the jet leaves the nozzle 120. However, because the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 is directed in the same initial direction and the uniform flow of the pockets 124 is located in the initial direction when exiting the nozzle 120, the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 can be confined to flow in a first direction 150 indicated by a directional arrow. The first direction 150 deviates from the inner surface 142 of the part 140 because the part 140 hinders the pockets 124 of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 from reaching the inner surface 142 or the first direction is away from, away from, or intended to deviate from the inner surface 142. The first direction 150 is aligned with the deflection surface 146 of the deflection tool 144. Accordingly, at least a portion (e.g., all or a majority) of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 impacts the deflection surface 146.

[0047] The deflection surface 146 redirects the jet of cavitation fluid 122 in a second direction 152. Because the redirected jet of cavitation fluid 130 includes an omnidirectional flow of pockets 124, the redirected jet widens or diverges as the jet leaves the deflection surface 146. However, because the redirected jet of cavitation fluid 130 is directed in the same initial direction when deflected from the deflection surface 146 and the mean flow of pockets 124 is in the initial direction, the re-channeled jet of cavitation fluid 130 can be confined to flow in the second direction 152 indicated by the directional arrows. The second direction 152 faces the inner surface 142 of the part 140 because no portion of the part 140 impedes the pockets 124 of the redirected jet of cavitation fluid 130 from reaching the inner surface 142 or the second direction is aligned with the inner surface 142.

[0048] The deflection tool 144 is made of a material having a ductility less than that of the part 140. Accordingly, the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 has less impact on the deflection tool 144 than on the part 140. Moreover, in some embodiments, considering the strength of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122, the material of the deflection tool 144 is selected to have a sufficiently low ductility so that when the jet impacts the deflection tool 144, the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 has little impact on the deflection tool 144. According to one embodiment, the deflection tool 144 is made of tool steel such as 4030 alloy steel.

[0049] The angle formed by the deflection surface 146 relative to the first direction 150 is an angle θ. The angle θ is greater than zero degrees but less than 90 degrees. The angle θ of the deflection surface 146 relative to the first direction 150 determines the angle of the second direction 152 relative to the first direction 150 or the angle of the second direction 152 relative to the horizontal direction. Depending on the angle θ, the second direction 152 can be horizontal, downward facing, or upward facing. Accordingly, the deflection tool 144 is configured to have an angle θ that causes the second direction 152 to be aligned with the inner surface 142 of the part 140.

[0050] The part 140 is located in the box 102 and is secured to the box 102. In some embodiments, the part 140 is secured to a securing plate 108 or other surface that forms the bottom of the box 102. The securing plate 108 provides a stable surface on which the part 140 can be secured while surface treatment is being performed on the part 140. The part 140 can be secured to the securing plate 108 using securing means such as clamps, fasteners, brackets, straps, and the like.

[0051] The deflection tool 144 is located within the box 102 adjacent to or coupled to the part 140. Generally, the deflection tool 144 is located within the box 102 relative to the part 140 so that the deflection surface 146 receives the jet of cavitation fluid 122 and redirects the jet of cavitation fluid 122 toward the inner surface 142 facing the part 140. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , because the recess 141 is a side groove, the deflection tool 144 is a first deflection tool 144A positioned adjacent to the part 140. The deflection surface 146 of the first deflection tool 144A faces the recess 141. As used herein, adjacent refers to, for example, Figure 1 140 is shown as being spaced apart from or touching (eg, abutting) an outer surface of part 140 .

[0052] Because the jet of cavitation fluid 122 is blocked from entering Figure 1 and Figure 2In order to prevent the deflection tool 144A from being disposed in a majority of the recess 141 of the part 140 in the part 140, the deflection tool 144A is positioned outside and adjacent to the part 140. Moreover, because the recess 141 is located on one side of the part 140, the deflection tool 144A includes only one deflection surface 146. In addition, in order to maintain the coverage width of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122, the deflection surface 146 of the deflection tool 144A is flat, thereby causing the jet of the cavitation fluid 130 to be redirected to have at least the same coverage width as the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 that impacts the deflection surface 146. Generally, when the jet of the cavitation fluid 130 reaches the deflection deflection surface 146, the jet of the cavitation fluid 130 to be redirected expands or diverges due to the omnidirectional movement of the air pockets 124.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 , the recess 141 of the part 140 is a cavity, depression, groove, channel, or other recess formed in the top of the part 140 or facing upwardly toward the surface of the part 140. Figure 3 The recess 141 of the part 140 in the embodiment of the present invention is at least partially open upwardly, so at least some portions of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 can directly enter the recess 141. However, some portions of the inner surface 142 defining the recess 141 (such as the inner surface defining the straight sidewall of the part 140, etc.) can be angled so that the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 cannot directly impact. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the inner surface 142 of the part 140 is those surfaces that cannot receive direct impact of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 generated by the nozzle 120 (e.g., where the first direction is aligned with the inner surface 142). In this embodiment, direct impact of the cavitation fluid on the portion of the inner surface 142 (i.e., cannot receive direct impact from the jet of the cavitation fluid 122) is achieved by positioning the deflection tool 144 within the recess 141. The deflection tool 144 is located within the recess 141 on the part 140. In certain embodiments, the deflection tool 144 is coupled to the part 140 via, for example, fasteners, clips, brackets, adhesives, and the like.

[0054] In addition, to facilitate redirecting the jet of cavitation fluid 122 toward multiple opposing portions of inner surface 142, deflection tool 144 is a second deflection tool 144B having at least two deflection surfaces 146. Each deflection surface 146 defines an angle θ relative to a first direction 150 of the jet of cavitation fluid 122. By aligning the jet of cavitation fluid 122 with recess 141, and more specifically, with the intersection of at least two deflection surfaces 146 of deflection tool 144B, a first portion of the jet of cavitation fluid 122 is redirected toward a first portion of inner surface 142 away from one of deflection tools 144B and a second portion of the jet of cavitation fluid 122 is redirected toward a second portion of inner surface 142 (at Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first redirected flow of the cavitation fluid 130A directly impacts the desired portion of the inner surface 142 and the second redirected flow of the cavitation fluid 130B directly impacts a different desired portion of the inner surface 142.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 To help redirect the jet of cavitating fluid 122 to an even more opposite portion of the inner surface 142 of the recess 141, the deflection tool 144 is a third deflection tool 144C having at least four deflection surfaces 146. In some implementations, the third deflection tool 144C has a pyramid shape. Figure 4 The recess 141 in the embodiment is a groove having four sides (e.g., a groove in a rectangular shape), each side being perpendicular to the adjacent side, and the part 140 can be a bathtub accessory. In a specific embodiment, it can be considered that Figure 3 yes Figure 4 142. Each of the deflection surfaces 146 defines an angle θ relative to a first direction 150 of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122. By aligning the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 with the recess 141, and more specifically, with the intersection of the four deflection surfaces 146 of the third deflection tool 144C, four different portions of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 are redirected to exit the four different deflection surfaces 146 of the deflection tool 144B toward four different portions of the interior surface 142. In this manner, a first redirected jet of the cavitation fluid 130A directly impacts a first portion of the interior surface 142, a second redirected jet of the cavitation fluid 130B directly impacts a second portion of the interior surface 142, a third redirected jet of the cavitation fluid 130B directly impacts a third portion of the interior surface 142, and a fourth redirected jet of the cavitation fluid 130B directly impacts a fourth portion of the interior surface 142. In some embodiments, as shown, the second direction 152 of the redirected jet is perpendicular to the portion of the interior surface being impacted, thereby improving the effectiveness of the surface treatment in a particular implementation. However, in other embodiments, the second direction 152 of the redirected jet is not perpendicular to the portion of the interior surface being impacted.

[0056] In contrast to the deflection surface 146 of the first deflection tool 144A, in some embodiments, the deflection surface 146 of the deflection tool 144 is curved while the second deflection tool 144B and the third deflection tool 144C are flat. The curvature of the deflection surface 146 helps to widen or narrow the coverage of the redirected jet of the cavitating fluid 130. As an example, refer to Figure 5, the deflection tool 144 is a fourth deflection tool 144D having a deflection surface 146 that is convex. When impacted by the jet of the cavitating fluid 122, the convex surface of the deflection surface 146 redirects the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 into the redirected jet of the cavitating fluid 130 with a wider coverage than the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 that impacts the deflection surface 146. In other words, the convex surface of the deflection surface 146 expands the divergence of the redirected jet of the cavitating fluid 130, thereby helping to increase the portion of the inner surface 142 that is directly impacted by the cavitating fluid 122. In some embodiments, the fourth deflection tool 144D includes a sphere and the deflection surface 146 is the surface of the sphere. The sphere helps the cavitating fluid 122 reach a larger portion of the inner surface 142, specifically, where the part 140 has a narrow opening with a larger inner cavity, such as Figure 5 Although the fourth deflection tool 144D is a sphere having a circular cross-sectional shape, in other embodiments, the deflection tool 144 may be similar to a sphere, having a convex deflection surface and an elliptical or non-circular cross-sectional shape to predictably change the intensity of the redirected jet to generate a redirected jet of the cavitation fluid 130.

[0057] In contrast to the convex deflection surface 146 of the fourth deflection tool 144D, in some embodiments, the deflection surface of the deflection tool 144 is concave. As an example, refer to Figure 6 , the deflection tool 144 is a fifth deflection tool 144E having a deflection surface 146 that is concave. When impacted by the jet of the cavitating fluid 122, the concavity of the deflection surface 146 redirects the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 into the redirected jet of the cavitating fluid 130A with a narrower coverage than the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 that impacts the deflection surface 146. In other words, the concavity of the deflection surface 146 covers or gathers the redirected jet of the cavitating fluid 130, thereby being able to help increase the intensity of the cavitating fluid 122 at the gathered portion of the inner surface 142. In some embodiments, as shown, the fifth deflection tool 144E includes at least two deflection surfaces 146 each having a concave shape, thereby facilitating the concentrated impact of the cavitating fluid 130 at two portions of the inner surface 142.

[0058] Reference Figure 7 According to some embodiments, the orientation of the nozzle 120 can be adjusted to adjust the first direction 150 of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122. Accordingly, as shown, the first direction 150 of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 is at a certain angle (an angle between zero and 90 degrees) relative to the vertical direction, and Figure 1 The first direction 150 of the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 in the nozzle is not angled relative to the vertical direction (eg, parallel to the vertical direction). Figure 7 The system 100 and Figure 1The system is similar to that in FIG. 1 , but the angle of the first direction 150 is compensated, and the angle γ of the deflection surface 146 of the sixth deflection tool 144F relative to the vertical direction is different from Figure 1 In some embodiments, the angle γ of the deflection surface 146 of the sixth deflection tool 144F makes the deflection surface 146 relative to Figure 7 The angle θ of the first angled direction 150 in the deflection surface 146 relative to Figure 1 The angle θ of the non-angled first direction 150 in is the same. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first direction 150 is angled and the sixth deflection tool 144F is configured such that Figure 7 The second direction 152 in Figure 1 Accordingly, a system 100 in which the first direction 150 is angled can still produce the same second direction 152 as a system 100 in which the first direction 150 is not angled.

[0059] refer to Figure 8 , the system 100 is configured to process the inner surface of a part 140 having a tubular shape. Figure 8 The recess 141 of the part 140 in the embodiment is an elongated circumferentially closed pipe. It is difficult to enter the pipe with a strength sufficient to treat the inner surface 142 of the pipe and direct the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 into the pipe. Accordingly, similar to the fourth deflection tool 144D, the deflection tool 144 of the system 100 is a seventh deflection tool 144G having a deflection surface 146 that is curved and convex. However, unlike the fourth deflection tool 144D, the deflection surface 146 faces inward so that the seventh deflection tool 144G has a funnel-like shape. The narrow outlet portion 180 of the seventh deflection tool 144G is sized to be partially inserted into the pipe of the part 140 so that the wide inlet portion 182 of the seventh deflection tool 144G is located outside the pipe. The nozzle 120 is positioned and oriented so that the first direction 150 is aligned with the wide inlet portion 182. In this configuration, at least a portion of the jet of cavitation fluid 122 generated by the nozzle 120 is directed into the seventh deflection tool 144G. After entering the seventh deflection tool 144G, the jet of cavitation fluid 122 is redirected by the deflection surface 146. The inwardly facing convex surface of the deflection surface 146 acts to focus or concentrate the jet of cavitation fluid 122 into a narrower redirected jet of cavitation fluid 122, i.e., introduced from the seventh deflection tool 144G into the conduit of the part 140, wherein it treats the inner surface 142 defining the conduit.

[0060] refer to Fig. 9According to the following embodiments, a method 200 for surface treating an inner surface 142 of a part 140 is disclosed herein. The method 200 includes (block 202) directing a jet of a cavitation fluid 122 in a first direction 150 deflected from the inner surface 142 of the part 140 to contact a deflection surface 146 of a deflection tool 144. The method 200 also includes (block 204) directing the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 that exits the deflection surface 146 toward the inner surface 142 of the part 140 in a second direction 152. In addition, the method 200 includes (block 206) impinging the inner surface 142 of the part 140 with the jet of the cavitation fluid 122 that is deflected from the deflection surface 146. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 142 is not within a line of sight of a nozzle 120 that generates the jet of the cavitation fluid 122.

[0061] Additionally, in some embodiments, the method 200 includes selecting a deflection tool 144 and a corresponding deflection surface 146 in response to at least one geometry of the part 140, including the shape and location of the interior surface 142 of the part 140 or the material of the part 140. For example, for an interior surface 142 that is difficult to access, a deflection tool 144 having a deflection surface 146 that imparts a more aggressive redirection of the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 may be desirable. As another example, for a part 140 made of a more ductile material, a deflection tool 144 that imparts a less aggressive redirection of the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 may be desirable.

[0062] Additionally, in some embodiments, the method 200 includes determining an intensity of the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 to achieve a desired surface finish for the part 140. The intensity of the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 can be determined based on one or more factors such as the ductility of the part 140, the surface roughness of the part 140, the geometry of the part 140, the desired surface roughness of the part 140, and / or the desired residual stress level of the part 140. The method 200 can further include positioning and orienting the part 140 and the selected deflection tool 144 relative to each other in the box 102. The method 200 also includes generating the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 with the determined intensity and impacting the part with the jet of the cavitating fluid 122 at a desired location and orientation relative to the part 140 for a corresponding period of time using the selected deflection tool 144 to achieve the desired surface finish for the part 140.

[0063] In certain embodiments of method 200, such as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , (block 206 ) impacting the inner surface 142 of the part 140 with the jet of cavitation fluid 122 deflected away from the deflection surface 146 includes applying a compressive stress at the inner surface 142 of the part 140 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown in FIG. 2 , the method 200 further includes: introducing abrasive media 128 into the jet of cavitation fluid 122, and (block 206) impacting the inner surface 142 of the part 140 with the jet of cavitation fluid 122 deflected away from the deflection surface 146 includes: impacting the inner surface 142 of the part 140 with the abrasive media introduced into the jet of cavitation fluid 122 and reducing the surface roughness of the inner surface 142 of the part 140 with the abrasive media 128. According to other embodiments of the method 200, at least a portion of the deflection tool 144 is positioned within the recess 141 of the part 140 and the jet of cavitation fluid 122 in the first direction 150 is at least partially directed into the recess 141 of the part 140.

[0064] Further, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0065] Item 1. A system for surface treatment of the inner surface of a part, the system comprising:

[0066] A box, in which the parts are located;

[0067] a fluid located in the tank and capable of submerging the part when the part is located in the tank;

[0068] a nozzle immersed in the fluid and configured to generate a jet of cavitating fluid directed in a first direction; and

[0069] A deflection tool is immersed in the fluid and includes a deflection surface that redirects the jet of cavitating fluid from a first direction to a second direction, wherein the first direction is away from the inner surface of the part and the second direction faces the inner surface of the part.

[0070] Paragraph 2. A system according to paragraph 1, wherein:

[0071] The nozzle has no line of sight to the interior surface of the part when the part is in the bin; and

[0072] When the part is located within the bin, the deflecting surface has a line of sight to the interior surface of the part.

[0073] Clause 3. A system as described in Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the deflection tool is secured to the bin at a location adjacent to the part when the part is located within the bin.

[0074] Paragraph 4. A system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein:

[0075] The deflection tool is secured to the part within a recess in the part; and

[0076] The recessed portion of the part defines an inner surface.

[0077] Clause 5. A system according to any of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the deflection surface is flat.

[0078] Clause 6. A system according to any of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the deflection surface is curved.

[0079] Clause 7. A system as described in Clause 6, wherein the deflection surface is concave.

[0080] Clause 8. A system as described in Clause 6, wherein the deflection surface is convex.

[0081] Clause 9. A system according to clause 8, wherein the deflection tool comprises a sphere and the deflection surface is a surface of the sphere.

[0082] Clause 10. A system according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the deflection tool further comprises at least two deflection surfaces.

[0083] Clause 11. A system according to any of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the deflection surface has a profile that is complementary to a profile of an inner surface of the part.

[0084] Clause 12. A system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the inner surface.

[0085] Clause 13. A system according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein:

[0086] The parts include a tank body having a rectangular shape;

[0087] The inner surface includes four sides each of which is perpendicular to an adjacent side;

[0088] When the part is in the box, the deflection tool is located in the rectangular shaped slot; and

[0089] The deflection tool comprises four deflection surfaces, each deflection surface being configured to direct a portion of the jet of cavitation fluid towards a corresponding one of the four sides of the inner surface.

[0090] Clause 14. A system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the ductility of the deflection surface of the deflection tool is greater than the ductility of the part.

[0091] Clause 15. The system of any of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the jet of cavitating fluid is configured to exert a compressive stress on the part at the inner surface when contacting the inner surface of the part.

[0092] Item 16. A system according to any one of items 1 to 15, further comprising a grinding medium mixed with the fluid in the tank, wherein:

[0093] The jet of cavitating fluid further comprises an abrasive medium; and

[0094] The abrasive media in the jet of cavitating fluid is configured to reduce the roughness of the interior surface of the part upon contacting the interior surface of the part.

[0095] Item 17. A method for surface treatment of the inner surface of a part, the method comprising:

[0096] directing a jet of cavitation fluid in a first direction deflected from the interior surface of the part into contact with a deflection surface of a deflection tool;

[0097] deflecting the jet of cavitating fluid exiting the deflection surface in a second direction toward the interior surface of the part; and

[0098] The inner surface of the part is impacted by a jet of cavitating fluid deflected off a deflection surface.

[0099] Clause 18. The method of clause 17, wherein impacting the inner surface of the part with a jet of cavitating fluid comprises applying a compressive stress to the part at the inner surface.

[0100] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 17 or Clause 18 further comprises: introducing abrasive media into the jet of cavitation fluid, wherein using the jet of cavitation fluid to impact the inner surface of the part comprises: using the abrasive media introduced into the jet of cavitation fluid to impact the inner surface of the part and using the abrasive media to reduce the surface roughness of the inner surface of the part.

[0101] Clause 20. A method according to any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein:

[0102] At least a portion of the deflection tool is located within a recess in the part; and

[0103] The jet of cavitating fluid in the first direction is directed at least partially into the recess of the part.

[0104] In the above description, specific terms such as "upward", "downward", "above", "below", "horizontally", "vertically", "left", "right", "below", etc. may be used. These terms are used as needed to provide a fairly clear description when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, a surface "above" can become a surface "below" simply by flipping the object. Needless to say, it is still the same object. Further, the terms "including", "comprising", "having", and their variations mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise expressly specified. The list of enumerated items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and / or mutually inclusive, unless otherwise expressly specified. The terms "a", "an", and "the" also mean "one or more", unless otherwise expressly specified. Further, the term "multiple" can be limited to "at least two". Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, a plurality of specific features, as defined herein, does not necessarily refer to every specific feature or class of specific features in an integrated set.

[0105] In addition, in this specification, examples where one element is "coupled" to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as an element being coupled to another element and being in some contact with the other element. Indirect coupling can 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. Further, as used herein, fixing an element to another element can include direct fixing and indirect fixing. In addition, as used herein, "adjacent" does not necessarily mean contact. For example, an element can be adjacent to another element without being in contact with the element.

[0106] As used herein, when used in conjunction with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of" means that different combinations of one or more listed items can be used and only one item in the list is required. An item can be a specific object, thing, or category. In other words, "at least one of" means that any combination of items or items in the list can be used, but not all items in the list are required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" can refer to 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" can refer to, for example, but not limited to, two items A, one item B, and ten items C; four items B and seven items C; or some other suitable combination.

[0107] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," and the like as used herein are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, for example, reference to a "second" item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a "first" or lower-numbered item and / or, for example, a "third" or higher-numbered item.

[0108] As used herein, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is actually capable of performing the specified function without any modification, rather than having only the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, for the purpose of performing the specified function, the system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform the specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed. As used herein, "configured to" represents the existing features of the system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enables the system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For the purposes of this disclosure, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is described as "configured to" perform a specific function may be additionally or alternatively described as "adapted to" and / or "operated to" perform the function.

[0109] The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally described as logical flow chart diagrams. Therefore, the described order and labeled steps represent an embodiment of the provided method. Other steps and methods that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps of the illustrated method, or parts thereof, can be conceived. In addition, the format and symbols adopted are provided to illustrate the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types can be used in the flow chart diagram, however, they should not be understood as limiting the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors can be used to represent only the logical flow of the method. For example, an arrow can represent a waiting or monitoring cycle of unspecified duration between the enumerated steps of the described method. In addition, the order in which the specific method is operated may be strictly consistent with or strictly inconsistent with the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0110] Without departing from its essence or essential features, the subject matter may encompass other specific forms. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the technical solution should be included within its scope.

Claims

1. A system (100) for surface treating an inner surface (142) of a part (140), the system (100) comprising: a box (102), wherein the part (140) can be located within the box (102); a fluid (104) located in the tank (102) and capable of submerging the part (140) when the part (140) is located in the tank (102); a nozzle (120) immersed in the fluid (104), movable and orientable within the tank, and configured to generate a jet of cavitating fluid (122) directed in a first direction (150), the first direction being any direction from any position within the tank; and a deflection tool (144) immersed in the fluid (104) and comprising a deflection surface (146) for redirecting the jet of the cavitation fluid (122) from the first direction (150) to a second direction (152), wherein the first direction (150) is away from the inner surface (142) of the part (140) and the second direction (152) is toward the inner surface (142) of the part (140), Therein, the deflection tool is located in the box and is fixed to the box.

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein: When the part (140) is located within the box (102), the nozzle (120) does not have a line of sight to the inner surface (142) of the part (140); and When the part (140) is located within the bin (102), the deflection surface (146) has a line of sight to the interior surface (142) of the part (140).

3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein: When the part (140) is located within the box (102), the deflection tool (144) is fixed to the box (102) in a position adjacent to the part (140).

4. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein: The deflection tool (144) is fixed to the part (140) within a recess (141) of the part (140); and The recess (141) of the part defines the inner surface (142).

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The deflection surface (146) is flat, curved, concave, or convex.

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The deflection means (144) comprises a sphere and the deflection surface (146) is the surface of the sphere.

7. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The deflection tool (144) further includes at least two deflection surfaces (146).

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The deflector surface (146) has a profile that is complementary to a profile of the inner surface (142) of the part (140).

9. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second direction (152) is perpendicular to the inner surface (142).

10. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The part (140) comprises a rectangular shaped slot; The inner surface (142) includes four sides each perpendicular to an adjacent side; When the part (140) is located in the box (102), the deflection tool (144) is located in the rectangular shaped slot; and The deflection tool (144) includes four deflection surfaces (146), each deflection surface (146) being configured to direct a portion of the jet of the cavitation fluid (122) toward a corresponding one of the four sides of the inner surface (142).

11. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The deflection surface (146) of the deflection tool (144) has a ductility greater than the ductility of the part (140).

12. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The jet of cavitation fluid (122) is configured to exert a compressive stress on the part (140) at the inner surface (142) when contacting the inner surface (142) of the part (140).

13. The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a grinding medium (128) mixed with the fluid (104) within the tank (102), wherein: The jet of cavitating fluid (122) further comprises the abrasive medium (128); and The abrasive media (128) in the jet of the cavitating fluid (122) is configured to reduce the roughness of the inner surface (142) of the part (140) upon contacting the inner surface (142) of the part (140).

14. A method (200) for surface treatment of an inner surface (142) of a part (140), the method (200) comprising: directing a jet of cavitating fluid (122) deflected from the interior surface (142) of the part (140) in a first direction (150) generated by a nozzle immersed in the fluid and movable and orientable in a tank, into contact with a deflection surface (146) of a deflection tool (144), the first direction being any direction from any position within the tank, wherein the deflection tool is located in the tank and fixed to the tank; deflecting the jet of the cavitation fluid (122) exiting the deflection surface (146) in a second direction (152) toward the inner surface (142) of the part (140); and The inner surface (142) of the part (140) is impacted with a jet of the cavitation fluid (122) deflected away from the deflection surface (146).

15. The method (200) of claim 14, wherein: Impacting the inner surface (142) of the part (140) with the jet of the cavitation fluid (122) includes applying a compressive stress to the part (140) at the inner surface (142).

16. The method (200) according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: Abrasive media (128) are introduced into the jet of the cavitation fluid (122), wherein impacting the inner surface (142) of the part (140) with the jet of the cavitation fluid (122) includes: impacting the inner surface (142) of the part (140) with the abrasive media introduced into the jet of the cavitation fluid (122) and reducing the surface roughness of the inner surface (142) of the part (140) with the abrasive media (128).

17. The method (200) according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein: At least a portion of the deflection tool (144) is located within a recess (141) of the part (140); and The jet of cavitation fluid (122) in the first direction (150) is directed at least partially into the recess (141) of the part (140).

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