Automated Dynamic Laser Peening System for Large Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser peening technologies are cumbersome and inefficient for processing large workpieces such as turbine blades and engine components, requiring manual positioning of equipment or workpieces, which limits their application in manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automated, dynamic laser peening system that includes a laser beam delivery system and a dynamic platform capable of moving in multiple axes, allowing for precise positioning and processing of large structures with minimal manual intervention, integrated with a control system for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of LP equipment is used, then the system remains simple, but processing efficiency and precision deteriorate for large workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated dynamic platform system that uses computer-controlled motion in multiple axes. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical systems resolves the contradiction by significantly improving processing efficiency while accepting the necessary increase in system complexity for large workpiece applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic platform system capable of moving in multiple axes (X, Y, Z translations and rotational axes) to adapt to large workpieces. This dynamic capability allows the system to efficiently process various positions and orientations of large components, resolving the productivity limitation of static manual positioning systems
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning is used for large assemblies, then operational simplicity is maintained, but positioning precision and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic platform system provides computer-controlled precision positioning in multiple axes, enabling accurate targeting of specific locations on large assemblies. The automated control system maintains operational simplicity through programming and automation, while achieving positioning precision that manual methods cannot provide for large-scale components
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-axis dynamic platform system serves multiple functions: positioning, orientation adjustment, and access to various workpiece surfaces. This universal system replaces multiple manual positioning operations with a single integrated automated platform, improving precision while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control
3Adaptability or versatility
If LP equipment is made mobile for large workpieces, then accessibility improves, but system stability and positioning accuracy may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controlled dynamic platform system that provides mobility for accessing large workpieces while incorporating stabilization mechanisms and computer-controlled positioning. The system dynamically adjusts its position and orientation while maintaining stability through active control, resolving the contradiction between mobility and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and maintain positioning accuracy during dynamic operation. Sensors and control algorithms continuously adjust the platform's position to compensate for disturbances, ensuring reliable positioning stability even while the system is mobile and accessing various parts of large workpieces
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
Enables efficient, accurate, and cost-effective laser peening of large workpieces by automating the positioning and movement of the laser beam delivery system, improving processing repetition and reducing operational costs while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
LP uses high energy laser pulses to lase both transparent and opaque overlays on a surface of a workpiece
Implementation Method 2
generate a plasma plume and cause a rapid rise of pressure on the surface of a workpiece
Implementation Method 3
This pressure creates and sustains a shockwave, which propagates through a workpiece material
Implementation Method 4
The shockwave generated by LP induces coldwork into the microstructure of the workpiece material
Implementation Method 5
This is also known as coldworking. The shockwave permanently stretches the internal structure of the workpiece material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for automated dynamic laser peening of a workpiece. In one embodiment, a system for automated dynamic laser peening of a workpiece comprises: a laser; a laser beam delivery system; and a dynamic platform system.