Assist Gas Nozzle Positioning for Cleaner Laser Material Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing systems face challenges in effectively blowing out melted material from workpieces using assist gases, often resulting in plasma generation and contamination due to the proximity of the nozzle and workpiece, which affects finishing quality and nozzle integrity.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing system with a nozzle that forms a maximum velocity point of the assist gas jet away from the emission opening, allowing the gas to be blown at a higher velocity to the workpiece, and a measurement system to determine the optimal positioning of the nozzle to ensure the workpiece is within a Mach disk region for enhanced gas utilization and reduced plasma generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the nozzle is positioned close to the workpiece to effectively blow out melted material, then the assist gas can be utilized more effectively, but plasma generation and nozzle contamination occur due to proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the assist gas by creating a jet flow with a maximum velocity point positioned away from the emission opening. This parameter change allows the gas to maintain high velocity over a longer distance, enabling effective material removal at greater nozzle-to-workpiece distances, thereby reducing plasma generation and contamination while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the concept of a Mach disk region as an intermediary zone where the jet flow structure creates a specific pressure and velocity distribution. By positioning the workpiece within this Mach disk region, the system achieves effective material ejection without direct contact between the nozzle and workpiece, eliminating contamination sources
2Reliability
If the nozzle is positioned away from the workpiece to prevent contamination and plasma generation, then nozzle lifespan and finishing quality improve, but the assist gas velocity decreases reducing material ejection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the velocity profile parameter of the assist gas jet by creating a configuration where the maximum velocity point occurs at a position away from the emission opening. This allows the gas to maintain high velocity (sufficient for effective material ejection) even at increased distances from the nozzle, resolving the contradiction between distance and velocity
3Speed
If the assist gas is emitted at high velocity directly from the emission opening, then material ejection is effective, but the gas loses velocity quickly and cannot maintain effectiveness at distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of the gas velocity by creating a jet flow structure with a maximum velocity point positioned away from the emission opening. This parameter change extends the duration of high-velocity action over a longer distance, allowing the assist gas to maintain effective velocity throughout the extended operational range
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively utilizes the assist gas to remove melted material, improves the finishing quality of the workpiece, and prevents nozzle contamination by positioning the workpiece within a Mach disk region where the gas velocity is maximized, reducing plasma generation and extending nozzle lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle including an emission opening configured to emit a jet of an assist gas along an optical axis of a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle being configured to forming a maximum point of velocity of the jet at a position away from the emission opening
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing system that can effectively blow out a material of a workpiece melted by a laser beam by effectively utilizing an assist gas emitted from a nozzle. The laser processing system comprises a nozzle including an emission opening configured to emit a jet of an assist gas along an optical axis of a laser beam, the nozzle being configured to forming a maximum point of velocity of the jet at a position away from the emission opening; a measuring instrument configured to measure the velocity of the jet; and a position acquisition section configured to acquire information representing a position of the maximum point based on output data of the measuring instrument.