Angled Laser Welding Nozzle for Multi-Angle Joint Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser welding tools are limited by symmetrical nozzles that restrict the range of available welding angles, impacting the quality and depth of penetration in welding joints, particularly for new users unfamiliar with laser welding systems.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an angled nozzle with a contact edge and contact surface allows for a range of welding angles, enabling more flexible positioning and orientation of the laser welding torch, facilitating improved weld quality and depth of penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional symmetrical nozzles are used in laser welding tools, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the range of welding angles is limited and welding quality is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of welding anglesVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing a nozzle with an angled contact edge and contact surface that extends less than the full length of the nozzle. This asymmetric geometry enables the nozzle to contact the workpiece at various angles during welding operations, allowing the laser beam to approach the weld joint from different angular positions while maintaining stable contact. The asymmetric design directly resolves the contradiction by providing multi-angle adaptability without requiring multiple separate nozzle components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional symmetrical nozzles are used, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the depth of penetration and weld quality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld quality and depth of penetrationVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The angled nozzle design incorporates a contact edge and contact surface that automatically guide the nozzle into proper positioning and orientation during welding operations. The asymmetric geometry provides self-aligning features that help maintain consistent welding angles and depths without requiring the operator to have extensive skill or experience. The nozzle structure itself facilitates proper positioning, reducing the skill barrier for achieving high-quality welds with deep penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If angled nozzles are implemented to enable range of welding angles, then welding flexibility and quality are improved, but the nozzle design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding angle flexibilityVSAvoidnozzle manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only specific portions of the nozzle structure - specifically the contact edge and contact surface region - while maintaining the overall simple nozzle geometry. The angled contact features are localized to the tip region where they are most needed for angular positioning, while the rest of the nozzle body remains relatively simple for easy manufacturing. This localized modification resolves the contradiction by providing welding angle flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the entire nozzle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4706864A1Angled nozzles for directional control of a laser beam for a laser welding tool
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4706864A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706864A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4706864A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An angled nozzle for a handheld laser welding torch is disclosed. The nozzle includes a contact edge at a first tip of the nozzle and extending from the nozzle a first distance; and a contact surface along a portion of a length of the nozzle, the contact surface extending from the nozzle a second distance less than the first distance.