Laser Nozzle Holder Pawl Locking for Precise Quick Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection mechanisms in material processing systems, such as laser cutting systems, are complex, difficult to manufacture, and provide inconsistent engagement and holding force due to indirect application of retention force and large contact areas.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism using multiple pawls disposed about a hollow body, where the pawls extend through apertures to engage the laser nozzle, and a sleeve with a pawl retractor that applies a direct force for engagement and disengagement, ensuring precise alignment and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms (balls, bars, or pins) are used in laser cutting systems, then connection can be made, but the engagement and holding force are inconsistent due to indirect application of retention force and large contact areas
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete pawls (typically 3-4) distributed around the circumference of the nozzle holder. Each pawl independently engages with the nozzle, providing distributed locking points. This segmentation improves engagement consistency by ensuring that failure of one pawl does not compromise the entire connection, while the modular nature keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded actuator serves as an intermediary element that directly applies retention force to the pawls. The spring mechanism translates linear motion into radial engagement force, providing consistent and reliable locking action. This intermediary element eliminates the indirect force application problems of traditional mechanisms while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the use of a single actuating component.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then connection can be made, but manufacturing is difficult due to complex structures and precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle holder is designed with multiple apertures positioned at standard angular intervals (e.g., 120 degrees for three pawls). This segmented, modular aperture arrangement simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard positioning methods and reducing the need for complex custom alignment, while still providing reliable multi-point engagement for consistent holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded actuator is designed to automatically self-align with the pawls during assembly. The spring mechanism provides inherent alignment tolerance, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during manufacturing. This self-aligning feature significantly reduces manufacturing difficulty while ensuring reliable holding force through proper engagement geometry.
3Productivity
If pawls are used to engage the nozzle, then connection and disconnection can be made quickly, but precise alignment is required for the apertures and pawls
Solution Approach 1:
The pawls are designed with radial mobility within their apertures, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position as the nozzle is inserted. This dynamic adjustment capability enables quick connection without requiring pre-aligned apertures, as the pawls self-position during engagement. The spring-loaded actuator provides the necessary force to drive the pawls into proper engagement position, maintaining productivity while reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the sleeve is retracted to disengage the nozzle, then the nozzle can be removed, but the locking units must fall out of contact by gravity or external force
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuator serves as an intermediary that provides active disengagement force. When the actuator is retracted, the spring releases stored energy to actively push the pawls outward and disengage them from the nozzle, rather than relying on gravity or external forces. This active disengagement mechanism improves both ease of operation (single motion required) and reliability (consistent disengagement force regardless of orientation).
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 provides reliable, easy, and quick connection and disconnection of components, with improved holding force and precise alignment due to direct application of retention force and smaller contact areas.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to exert a biasing force to axially and radially displace the plurality of pawls relative to the longitudinal axis such that the plurality of pawls extend through the respective ones of the plurality of apertures to engage the laser nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The pawl retractor is translatable along the longitudinal axis and configured to apply a direct force to displace the plurality of pawls away from the plurality of apertures for disengagement from the laser nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
A nozzle holder for a laser processing head of a laser processing system is provided. The nozzle holder includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body shaped to matingly engage a laser nozzle. The hollow body defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a plurality of apertures dispersing around a circumference of the hollow body. The nozzle holder also includes a plurality of pawls configured to operably engage the laser nozzle within the hollow body by extending through the plurality of apertures of the hollow body. The nozzle holder further includes a sleeve substantially surrounding the hollow body and the plurality of pawls. The sleeve includes a pawl retractor that is movable along the longitudinal axis to physically displace the plurality of pawls axially and radially relative to the longitudinal axis for disengagement of the plurality of pawls from the laser nozzle.