Laser Machining Nozzle Flow Path for Stable Supersonic Assist Gas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining nozzles face issues such as decreased workpiece machining rate, increased surface roughness, significant burr generation, and difficulty in maintaining a consistent distance between the nozzle and workpiece, particularly when cutting thick materials like stainless steel.
Innovation Solution
A laser machining nozzle design featuring a flow path with a subsonic and supersonic portion that converts machining-assist gas from subsonic to supersonic flow, maintaining a preset distance and optimizing gas distribution to reduce surface roughness and burr formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the diameter of the flow path in the nozzle is increased to allow high pressure injection of machining-assist gas, then the gas injection pressure is improved, but the nozzle structure becomes more complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow path, specifically introducing a converging section with a specific angle range (15-45 degrees) and a diverging section with a specific angle range (5-30 degrees). This parameter optimization allows the nozzle to achieve high pressure gas injection while maintaining a relatively simple structure that is easier to manufacture and maintain compared to more complex nozzle designs.
2Stress or pressure
If conventional nozzle design is used with high pressure gas injection, then gas supply pressure is improved, but surface roughness of machined surface increases and burr generation becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the flow path geometry parameters including the converging section angle (15-45 degrees) and diverging section angle (5-30 degrees), which controls the gas flow characteristics to reduce turbulence and improve machining precision, thereby reducing surface roughness and burr generation while maintaining high pressure injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional simple cylindrical or conical nozzle structures with a more sophisticated flow path design that incorporates both converging and diverging sections. This substitution of the mechanical structure enables better control over gas flow dynamics, resulting in improved surface finish and reduced burr formation during laser machining.
3Device complexity
If conventional nozzle design is used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but machining rate decreases and distance maintenance between nozzle and workpiece becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific geometric parameters for the flow path (converging section angle of 15-45 degrees and diverging section angle of 5-30 degrees) that optimize gas flow characteristics. This parameter optimization improves machining rate by enhancing assist gas delivery efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple nozzle structure that does not require complex manufacturing processes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the flow path geometry is optimized for supersonic flow, then gas flow stability is improved, but the nozzle design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific angle ranges for the converging section (15-45 degrees) and diverging section (5-30 degrees) to achieve supersonic flow conditions. These parameter specifications provide a practical design guide that achieves stable supersonic flow without requiring overly complex geometry, balancing flow stability with manufacturability.
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 nozzle effectively supplies a sufficient amount of assist gas, stabilizes supersonic flow, improves machining rate, and prevents gas convergence or diffusion, ensuring efficient cutting with reduced surface roughness and minimized burr generation, even for thick stainless steel workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
the flow path comprises a first flow path formed in a flow direction of the machining-assist gas and generating a supersonic flow of the machining-assist gas
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining nozzle includes: a nozzle body coupled to a machining head; and a flow path formed through the nozzle body in a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body to allow a machining-assist gas to be injected toward a workpiece therethrough while a laser beam is emitted toward the workpiece, wherein the flow path comprises a first flow path formed in a flow direction of the machining-assist gas and generating a supersonic flow of the machining-assist gas; a second flow path connected to the first flow path in the flow direction of the machining-assist gas and expanding a volume of the machining-assist gas having passed through the first flow path; and a flow path boundary defining a boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path.