Feed Nozzle Fins for Thermal Stability in Laser Metal Deposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser metal deposition systems face issues with nozzle deformation due to heat buildup during long deposition processes, leading to potential blockages and interruptions in the metal wire circulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a laser metal deposition system with a feed nozzle featuring external annular fins for passive cooling, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and maintaining nozzle geometry regardless of deposition duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a focused laser beam is used to melt metal wire for deposition, then the productivity and manufacturing capability are improved, but the feed nozzle undergoes thermal deformation leading to wire circulation blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a radial heat dissipation dimension by attaching fins to the feed nozzle surface. Instead of only longitudinal heat management, the fins extend heat dissipation into the radial direction, increasing the heat exchange surface area with the environment and reducing nozzle temperature without affecting the deposition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fins act as an intermediary thermal management component between the laser heat source and the feed nozzle. They absorb excess thermal energy and dissipate it to the environment, mediating the thermal impact on the nozzle and preventing deformation that would block wire circulation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the feed nozzle is positioned close to the laser beam for efficient wire melting, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the nozzle temperature increases causing thermal expansion and conduit narrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The fins are strategically positioned on specific regions of the feed nozzle to create localized heat dissipation zones. This allows differential thermal management across the nozzle surface, maintaining optimal temperature in the wire feeding conduit area while preserving the close positioning needed for efficient laser heating of the wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the feed nozzle by adding fins that increase the heat transfer coefficient and surface area. This modifies the nozzle's thermal characteristics, enabling it to operate at lower temperatures despite close proximity to the high-energy laser beam, thus preventing thermal expansion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the deposition process is extended to manufacture larger parts, then the manufacturing versatility is improved, but the accumulated heat causes nozzle deformation and process interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The fins enable continuous heat dissipation during extended deposition operations, maintaining stable nozzle temperature and preventing the accumulation of thermal energy that would otherwise cause deformation and interruption. This allows the deposition process to continue uninterrupted for manufacturing larger parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The fins provide preliminary thermal management by continuously dissipating heat before it can accumulate to dangerous levels. This preventive thermal control allows the system to sustain long-duration operations without the nozzle reaching deformation temperatures, enabling extended manufacturing cycles.
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
This solution ensures uninterrupted operation by preventing nozzle deformation and maintaining wire circulation, even during extended deposition processes, through effective thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of external fins (305) adapted to allow heat dissipation by heat exchange with the immediate environment of the feed nozzle
Implementation Method 2
adapted to allow heat dissipation by heat exchange with the immediate environment of the feed nozzle
Implementation Method 3
a laser head (104) adapted to generate the melting of the metal at the outlet orifice of the feed nozzle
Implementation Method 4
a focused laser beam (105) which produces, at its focal point, an energy high enough to melt the metal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser metal deposition system, which comprises a feed nozzle (301), the tubular wall (306) of which has external fins (305) designed to allow heat dissipation by heat exchange with the immediate surroundings of the feed nozzle (301).