Laser Nozzle Airflow Layout for Debris Capture and Clean Processing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser processing apparatuses face issues with debris deposition on the nozzle's bottom surface and reduced debris removal efficiency, leading to lower workpiece quality and increased maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing apparatus with a processing nozzle featuring a debris capturing chamber, a first air ejection port, and a second air ejection port positioned below the first, where the second port has a lower air flow rate, effectively preventing debris deposition on the nozzle's bottom surface while maintaining efficient debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If air is ejected from the air ejection port at high flow rate to remove debris, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but debris is deposited on the lower surface of the lower wall along the lower air stream

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidworkpiece quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The air ejection function is segmented into two separate ports: the first air ejection port positioned above the lower wall to eject air horizontally without creating downward streams, and the second air ejection port positioned below the lower wall to eject air upward for debris removal. This segmentation allows each port to perform its specific function without causing the harmful effect of debris deposition on the lower wall surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction port acts as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with the second air ejection port. The second port ejects air upward to lift debris from the debris capturing chamber, and the suction port simultaneously draws the debris and air mixture outward, preventing debris from settling on the lower wall while maintaining efficient removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the first air ejection port is positioned above the lower wall to prevent debris deposition, then debris deposition is reduced, but debris removal capability is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece qualityVSAvoiddebris removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air ejection function is segmented into two separate ports: the first air ejection port positioned above the lower wall to eject air horizontally without creating downward streams, and the second air ejection port positioned below the lower wall to eject air upward for debris removal. This segmentation allows each port to perform its specific function without causing the harmful effect of debris deposition on the lower wall surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction port acts as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with the second air ejection port. The second port ejects air upward to lift debris from the debris capturing chamber, and the suction port simultaneously draws the debris and air mixture outward, preventing debris from settling on the lower wall while maintaining efficient removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 prevents debris from being deposited on the nozzle's bottom surface and ensures effective debris removal, reducing maintenance needs and maintaining workpiece quality.

Implementation Method 1

a first air ejection port defined in the lower wall, for ejecting air across the debris capturing chamber toward the suction port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a second air ejection port defined in the lower wall below the first air ejection port, for ejecting air across the debris capturing chamber toward the suction port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a suction port defined between another part of the upper wall and the lower wall, for drawing in the debris introduced through the opening into the debris capturing chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

a beam condenser having a condensing lens for converging the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 5

irradiating a workpiece held on a chuck table with a laser beam having a wavelength absorbable by the workpiece to thereby perform an ablation process on the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20220023972A1Laser Processing Apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.27 DISCO CORP

AI summary

A laser processing apparatus includes a processing nozzle. The processing nozzle includes an upper wall having a laser beam passage port defined therein, a lower wall that is connected to a lower portion of a part of the upper wall and that includes a debris capturing chamber defined therein, a suction port defined between another part of the upper wall and the lower wall, a first air ejection port defined in the lower wall, for ejecting air across the debris capturing chamber toward the suction port in a predetermined direction perpendicular to an optical path of a laser beam, and a second air ejection port defined in the lower wall below the first air ejection port, for ejecting air in the predetermined direction. A flow rate of air ejected from the second air ejection port is smaller than a flow rate of air ejected from the first air ejection port.