Double Nozzle Inner Body Structure for Precise Laser Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double nozzles for laser cutting systems face alignment issues due to multiple interface surfaces, requiring high precision manufacturing and complex installation processes, leading to misalignment and significant machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A double nozzle configuration with reduced interface surfaces, utilizing a contoured alignment surface and conical seating, along with increased number of flow slots, to improve alignment and simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional double nozzle with two separate pieces (inner and outer nozzle portions) is used to create two separate gas flows, then the functional requirements for material removal and kerf protection are met, but alignment precision deteriorates due to multiple interface surfaces requiring high precision manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner and outer nozzle portions into a single monolithic body, eliminating the interface surface between two separate pieces. This single-piece construction maintains the dual gas flow functionality (central high-pressure flow for material removal and outer coaxial low-pressure flow for kerf protection) while removing the alignment issues caused by multiple interface surfaces. The merger of components directly resolves the contradiction by preserving functional adaptability while improving manufacturing precision.
2Strength
If multiple interface surfaces are used in the double nozzle configuration, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation complexity increases and misalignment opportunities increase during field replacements
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating the nozzle into a single piece, the patent eliminates the need for assembling multiple components during installation. Field replacements become simpler as technicians install one component rather than assembling multiple pieces with precise alignment requirements. The structural integrity is maintained through the monolithic construction, while installation complexity is significantly reduced.
3Ease of repair
If conventional double nozzles with multiple interface surfaces are used, then the design allows for component replacement, but machine downtime increases significantly during field replacements due to alignment verification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece nozzle design maintains replaceability as a whole component while eliminating the time-consuming alignment verification process. Technicians can quickly install and verify the single component without needing to check multiple interface surfaces for proper alignment, significantly reducing machine downtime during field replacements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two separate gas flows are created through inner and outer nozzle portions, then material removal and kerf protection functions are achieved, but the number of interface surfaces increases alignment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves two separate gas flows (central and outer coaxial) within a single monolithic nozzle body. The internal geometry of the single piece creates the necessary flow paths without requiring interface surfaces between separate components. This maintains the adaptability for controlled gas flow while dramatically improving the ease of operation by eliminating alignment concerns.
Data Source
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AI summary
A double nozzle for a laser processing head includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a first bore, and an exterior surface, the bore aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the body. The double nozzle includes an outer body portion having an interior surface defining a second bore that is substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis. The outer body portion is matingly engaged with a region of the exterior surface of the inner body portion. The region between the exterior surface of the inner body portion and the interior surface of the outer body portion defines at least six coaxial fluid flow paths through an interior annular flow volume of the double nozzle. Each fluid flow path is defined at least in part by a corresponding feature formed in at least one of the inner body portion or the outer body portion.