Copper Nozzle Protective Layer for Laser Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Copper nozzles used in laser welding of battery cell components suffer from ablation and oxidation due to high reflectivity of aluminum alloy materials, leading to poor welding effects and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A copper nozzle with a protective layer having a higher reflectance coefficient and melting point than copper, which reduces laser absorption and deformation, ensuring stable gas guidance and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a copper nozzle is used for laser welding of aluminum alloy battery components, then good thermal conductivity and welding performance are achieved, but the nozzle surface is prone to ablation and oxidation due to high reflectivity of aluminum alloy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding performanceVSAvoidnozzle service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a composite structure by coating the copper nozzle surface with a protective layer having different properties (higher melting point and oxid resistance). This combines the thermal conductivity advantage of copper with the protective properties of the coating layer, resolving the contradiction between welding performance and nozzle durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the copper nozzle surface is exposed to reflected laser light, then welding operations can be performed, but the nozzle undergoes ablation and deformation reducing welding quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding operation capabilityVSAvoidnozzle surface integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective coating layer acts as an intermediary between the reflected laser light and the copper nozzle surface. It absorbs or reflects the harmful laser energy before it can cause ablation or deformation of the copper, thereby maintaining nozzle surface integrity while allowing welding operations to continue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the copper nozzle is used without protective coating, then结构简单性 (structural simplicity) is maintained, but cleaning difficulty increases due to pit formation and surface deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle structureVSAvoidnozzle cleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The protective coating is applied in advance to the copper nozzle surface before welding operations begin. This preliminary protective action prevents pit formation and surface degradation during welding, thereby maintaining easy cleanability throughout the nozzle's service life without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The protective layer extends the nozzle's service life, enhances welding stability, and improves yield by minimizing ablation and deformation, facilitating efficient welding operations.

Implementation Method 1

a reflectance coefficient of the protective layer is greater than a reflectance coefficient of copper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4620606A1Copper nozzle, and copper nozzle assembly and laser welding device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4620606A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4620606A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4620606A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A copper nozzle (10), a copper nozzle assembly (100), and laser welding equipment having the copper nozzle assembly are provided, where the copper nozzle is used for laser welding, the copper nozzle includes: a copper nozzle body (11), the copper nozzle body having a laser channel (101); and a protective layer, where the protective layer covers a surface of the copper nozzle body, a reflectance coefficient of the protective layer is greater than a reflectance coefficient of copper, and a melting point of the protective layer is greater than a melting point of copper, which can extend the service life of the copper nozzle and make cleaning of the copper nozzle convenient.