Multi-Port Laser Nozzle Layout to Keep Light-Blocking Liquid Out

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Laser processing machines face issues with increased size due to covers designed to prevent laser light scattering and leakage, which complicates the structure, and light blocking liquids entering the processing area degrade workpiece quality.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle unit with multiple gas blowing ports of varying heights and configurations is used to inhibit light blocking liquid entry by creating a radial gas flow that removes the liquid from the processing area, while using a light blocking liquid to prevent laser light leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover is provided to prevent laser light scattering and leakage, then laser light safety is improved, but the machine size increases and structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser light safetyVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gas flow is introduced as an intermediary medium between the laser processing area and the surrounding environment. The gas flow acts as a dynamic barrier that prevents light blocking liquid from entering the processing area while allowing laser light to pass through for processing, eliminating the need for physical covers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic pressure by blowing gas from multiple blowing ports to create a pressurized gas flow field. This gas flow field serves as a protective barrier that redirects light blocking liquid away from the processing area, replacing mechanical cover structures with a pneumatic control mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If light blocking liquid is used to prevent laser light leakage, then laser light safety is improved, but the liquid may enter the processing area and degrade workpiece quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser light safetyVSAvoidworkpiece quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gas delivery system is segmented into multiple blowing ports positioned at different locations and angles around the processing area. This segmentation allows the gas flow to be distributed strategically to create comprehensive protection zones, effectively blocking liquid intrusion while maintaining processing quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different blowing ports are configured with different orientations and positions to create localized gas flow patterns tailored to specific areas. The gas flow density and direction are optimized for each local region to prevent liquid entry while allowing laser processing to proceed undisturbed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If gas flow is increased to prevent light blocking liquid entry, then workpiece quality is improved, but the gas flow may interfere with laser light processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece qualityVSAvoidlaser processing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gas flow system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with multiple blowing ports that can be independently controlled. The gas flow characteristics (pressure, velocity, direction) are optimized to change adaptively based on processing conditions, allowing the system to maintain protection effectiveness while minimizing interference with laser processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 prevents light blocking liquid from entering the processing area, enhancing workpiece quality by maintaining a stable gas flow and preventing laser light leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a workpiece is disposed in a liquid with light blocking properties... The laser light, emitted onto the workpiece, is mostly absorbed by the workpiece... the light blocking liquid enters the processing area on the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

A nozzle unit with multiple gas blowing ports of varying heights and configurations is used to inhibit light blocking liquid entry by creating a radial gas flow that removes the liquid from the processing area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250205816A1Laser processing machine and nozzle unit for laser procesing machine
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 KOMATSU SANKI
  • US20250205816A1 patent drawing
  • US20250205816A1 patent drawing
  • US20250205816A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A nozzle unit for a laser processing machine includes a first nozzle including a first pathway and blowing port, a second nozzle, a second pathway to pass an inner shielding gas, a second blowing port connected to the second pathway to blow the inner shielding gas toward the workpiece to remove light blocking liquid, a third nozzle, a third pathway to pass an outer shielding gas, and a third blowing port connected to the third pathway to blow out the outer shielding gas toward the workpiece to remove light blocking liquid. The first pathway passes the laser light and an assist gas, the first blowing port is connected to the first pathway to blow out the assist gas toward the workpiece. A height of the third blowing port is greater than a height of the second blowing port, which is greater than a height of the first blowing port.