Detachable Plasma Head Mounting for Versatile Surface Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma processing machines lack versatility in using different plasma heads for various workpiece shapes and treatment degrees, and require complex maintenance procedures.

Innovation Solution

A plasma processing machine with a detachable plasma head attachment mechanism, allowing easy exchange of plasma heads and maintenance, featuring a serial link robot as a head moving device and a power supply and gas supply unit for controlling the plasma generation and emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If plasma heads are fixed and dedicated to specific workpieces, then treatment precision is improved, but versatility and ease of maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plasma processing system is divided into separate modules: the plasma head is detached from the main body and can be independently exchanged. The attachment mechanism includes separate components (attachment section on the arm, plasma head with engagement features) that enable modular replacement without affecting the entire system, thus maintaining treatment precision while improving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed with universal features that allow different types of plasma heads to be mounted on the same arm. The standardized attachment section and engagement structure enable one arm to perform multiple treatment tasks by simply changing the plasma head, achieving multi-functionality without compromising treatment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If plasma heads are fixed and dedicated, then treatment precision is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The plasma head is segmented as a separate, independently replaceable component from the arm. The attachment mechanism features quick-release engagement structures that allow the plasma head to be detached and replaced without disassembling the entire system, enabling rapid maintenance while preserving treatment precision through consistent reattachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism includes pre-positioned alignment features and engagement structures that guide the plasma head into the correct position during replacement. This preliminary alignment action ensures that maintenance personnel can quickly replace the plasma head without complex alignment procedures, improving ease of maintenance while maintaining treatment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If plasma heads can be easily exchanged, then versatility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: an attachment section on the arm with engagement features, and corresponding features on the plasma head. This segmentation avoids the need for complex locking mechanisms or multiple fastening points, enabling easy exchange of plasma heads while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism incorporates self-aligning features and automatic engagement structures that reduce the need for complex adjustment procedures during plasma head replacement. The design allows the plasma head to self-position and self-engage with the attachment section, simplifying the exchange process without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 convenient attachment and detachment of plasma heads, facilitating the use of different types for various treatments and simplifying maintenance, thereby enhancing the machine's practicality and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a plasma head configured to generate a plasma gas and eject the plasma gas from a nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma conversion: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS11904401B2Plasma processing machine
Publication Date: 2024.02.20 FUJI CORP
  • US11904401B2 patent drawing
  • US11904401B2 patent drawing
  • US11904401B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A practical plasma processing machine is provided, in which attachment mechanism is provided for attaching plasma head to attachment section of a head moving device that moves the plasma head. Since the plasma head can be attached or detached, for example, it is easy to exchange it with a different type of plasma head, remove for maintenance, attaching after maintenance, or the like.