Movable-Skirt Laser Nozzle for Concentrated Kerf Gas Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser nozzles suffer from high gas losses due to the large difference between the nozzle orifice cross-section and the focal spot size, leading to inefficient cutting processes and potential defects like adherent flash and oxidation, while existing solutions are complex, large, or unsuitable for industrial use.
Innovation Solution
A laser nozzle with a movable skirt element that translates under gas pressure to concentrate gas at the cutting kerf, featuring an elastic return mechanism to control the skirt's position and reduce pressure on the workpiece, minimizing gas consumption and pressure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the nozzle orifice diameter is reduced to concentrate gas at the focal spot, then gas utilization efficiency is improved, but the risk of laser beam damaging the nozzle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into a fixed body and a movable insert with the orifice. The insert can be displaced axially under gas pressure to dynamically adjust the effective orifice position and size, allowing optimal gas concentration without permanent reduction of the physical orifice diameter that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable insert introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the nozzle system. Under cutting conditions, gas pressure drives the insert forward to reduce the effective orifice area and concentrate gas flow. During non-cutting phases, the insert retracts to its initial position, restoring the full orifice area for safe laser beam passage and rapid head movements.
2Productivity
If high gas pressure is used to drive gas into the kerf, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert creates a localized high-velocity gas jet directly at the kerf by reducing the effective orifice area. This concentrates the gas flow energy precisely where needed for molten metal expulsion, achieving effective cutting with lower overall gas consumption and pressure requirements compared to conventional nozzles.
3Productivity
If the movable element is pressed against the workpiece surface, then gas injection into the kerf is improved, but the risk of workpiece deformation and surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert dynamically adjusts its position based on gas pressure during cutting, achieving optimal gas injection without permanent contact with the workpiece. During rapid head movements and piercing phases, the insert automatically retracts, eliminating friction and surface damage risks associated with continuous contact.
4Manufacturing precision
If existing solutions with complex architectures are used to assist gas entry, then cutting quality is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex gas concentration function is achieved by adding a simple movable insert component to the conventional nozzle body. This segmented approach maintains the overall nozzle structure while introducing only the necessary moving parts, avoiding the complexity of entirely redesigning the nozzle architecture.
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 channels gas into the cutting kerf, reducing gas consumption and pressure needs, while preventing deformation and improving cut quality, making it suitable for industrial use without increasing the nozzle's complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged in said axial housing between said nozzle body and said movable element, said elastic element exerting an elastic return force on said movable element in a direction tending to oppose the translation movement in said axial housing in the direction towards said first outlet orifice
Implementation Method 2
the movable element is able to move translationally in said axial housing in the direction towards said first outlet orifice under the effect of a gas pressure exerted on said movable element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser nozzle that can be used in laser cutting, notably with a fibre or disc laser, comprising a nozzle body comprising an axial housing passing axially through said nozzle body and comprising a first outlet orifice situated at the front face of the nozzle body, and a movable element comprising a skirt-forming front part arranged in the axial housing of the nozzle body, said movable element being capable of translational movement in the axial housing of the nozzle body and comprising an axial passage with a second outlet orifice opening onto the skirt-forming front part.