Laser Gas Dispersion Pipe With Cooling for Debris and Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing processes generate debris and heat that can degrade components of the manufacturing apparatus, leading to increased maintenance and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A gas-dispersion apparatus with a pipe and coiled cooling tube is integrated into the additive-manufacturing system, using pressurized nonreactive gas to prevent debris and heat from reaching critical components, and a nozzle and air-blade slot to direct gas flow, reducing debris and heat accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additive manufacturing is performed without gas dispersion and cooling, then the manufacturing process can proceed without additional apparatus, but debris accumulates and heat degrades components leading to frequent repairs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
A pipe with passageway serves as an intermediary structure between the laser and the work area, allowing gas to be dispursed along the beam path to protect components from debris while the pipe itself protects the laser from direct exposure to the harsh manufacturing environment
Solution Approach 2:
Pressurized gas is introduced through outlets in the pipe to create a protective gas flow that carries debris away from the laser and optical components, using pneumatic forces to solve the debris accumulation problem
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gas dispersion apparatus is added to protect components, then component degradation from debris and heat is reduced, but the apparatus complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the existing structural components - the pipe that would normally just support or guide something is combined with gas dispersion outlets and cooling tube attachments, creating multi-functional elements that protect against both debris and heat
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a physical barrier, acts as a gas dispersion conduit, supports cooling tube attachments, and guides the protective gas flow along the laser beam path
3Productivity
If frequent repairs and replacements are performed to maintain component functionality, then component reliability is maintained, but manufacturing downtime and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Protective gas is dispursed and cooling is applied in advance before debris and heat can accumulate to damaging levels, preventing component degradation before it occurs rather than repairing after failure
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 solution effectively reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements of components, such as lenses and lasers, thereby lowering costs and minimizing downtime by minimizing debris and heat exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling tube coiled about the pipe
Implementation Method 2
The at least one outlet discharges gas that travels down the passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-dispersion apparatus for an additive-manufacturing apparatus includes a pipe defining an axis, an outlet, and a cooling tube coiled about the pipe. The pipe includes a passageway along the axis, and the pipe extends from a first end to a second end. The outlet is positioned to discharge gas into the passageway at the first end. The first end is attachable to a laser so that a beam emitted by the laser travels along the axis.