Dual Nozzle Blast Processing for Complex Aircraft Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blast processing technologies face challenges in efficiently blasting multiple surfaces of complex-shaped workpieces, such as aircraft components, under favorable conditions, as conventional nozzles are not optimized for simultaneous processing of orthogonal surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A blast processing device comprising a first nozzle for blasting a blasting material with first compressed air and a second air assist nozzle for adjusting the diffusion range, both connected to a moving mechanism to efficiently cover multiple surfaces of a workpiece, with the air assist nozzle using assist air to form an air curtain and control the diffusion of the blasting material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional single nozzle is used for blast processing, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to blast multiple surfaces simultaneously under favorable conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to blast multiple surfaces simultaneouslyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blast processing device is divided into multiple independent nozzles (first nozzle for blasting material, second nozzle for assist air), each performing a specific function. This segmentation allows simultaneous blasting of multiple surfaces while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple nozzles are designed to work together as an integrated system that can handle various workpiece geometries (I-shaped stringers, H-shaped components, L-shaped structures). The combination of blasting nozzle and air assist nozzle creates a universal solution for priming and surface processing of diverse aircraft components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If blasting material is blasted without air assist, then the device complexity is low, but the diffusion range control and blasting efficiency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblasting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Compressed air acts as an intermediary substance between the blasting material and the workpiece surface. The assist air from the second nozzle creates an air curtain that mediates the diffusion of blasting material, improving coverage and efficiency without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex nozzle internal structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing compressed air (assist air) to control and enhance the blasting material delivery. This pneumatic approach improves diffusion range control and blasting efficiency while avoiding complex mechanical or electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Area of stationary object

If blasting material diffuses widely without control, then the coverage area is large, but the material waste and nozzle wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful uncontrolled dispersion of blasting material into a beneficial controlled diffusion process. The assist air, which could cause excessive scattering, is instead used to create a directed air curtain that guides material flow, transforming waste into improved coverage control and reduced material loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the diffusion characteristics of blasting material by adjusting parameters of the assist air (pressure, flow rate, direction). By changing these pneumatic parameters, the coverage area is optimized while minimizing material waste and nozzle wear through controlled rather than chaotic diffusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simultaneous and efficient blasting of multiple surfaces, reducing material dispersion and wear on nozzles, allowing for effective priming and surface processing of complex structures like aircraft components without the need for specialized nozzles.

Implementation Method 1

The moving mechanism moves the first nozzle and the second nozzle over the workpiece. The second nozzle blasts second compressed air for adjusting a diffusion range of the blasting material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir curtain:

Implementation Method 2

Blast processing is performed by blasting a blasting material toward a workpiece together with compressed air from a blast processing nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air propulsion:

Implementation Method 3

With blast processing, rust and dirt on the surface of the workpiece can be removed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS9839988B2Blast processing device and blast processing method

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A blast processing device includes a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a moving mechanism. The first nozzle blasts a blasting material toward a workpiece, using first compressed air. The second nozzle blasts second compressed air for adjusting a diffusion range of the blasting material. The moving mechanism moves the first nozzle and the second nozzle over the workpiece.