Tubular Laser Peening Head for Hidden Cavity Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser shock peening technologies face challenges in accessing and treating hidden or out-of-sight surfaces within cavities of a workpiece, as conventional methods struggle to deliver a laser beam effectively to these areas due to line-of-sight limitations.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam delivery device with a tubular body and support apparatus that allows for insertion into cavities, featuring a laser delivery channel, water delivery for overlay, and a support system using vacuum pressure for secure alignment, enabling the delivery of a laser beam and water stream to inner surfaces within the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional laser beam delivery method is used, then the laser beam can access external surfaces, but it cannot reach hidden surfaces inside cavities due to line-of-sight limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the laser beam delivery channel is contained within a tubular body that can be inserted into the workpiece cavity. The tubular body itself is nested within a support apparatus, creating a hierarchical delivery system that can reach hidden surfaces while maintaining structural organization and managing complexity through modular nesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external surface treatment to internal cavity treatment by adding the dimensional aspect of insertion. The tubular body is designed to be inserted longitudinally into the cavity, moving the laser delivery point from the external surface dimension to the internal cavity dimension, thereby enabling access to previously unreachable hidden surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tubular delivery device is inserted into the cavity, then hidden surfaces become accessible, but precise alignment with the cavity becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus incorporates alignment features that provide feedback mechanisms for positioning the tubular body. The alignment features include geometric constraints and reference surfaces that guide the tubular body into correct alignment with the cavity, ensuring precise positioning through mechanical feedback rather than complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal cavity. It provides a stable mounting interface and alignment reference system that mediates the connection between the delivery device and the workpiece, ensuring precise alignment without requiring direct complex interactions between the tubular body and cavity walls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser beam is delivered through the tubular body, then hidden surfaces can be treated, but simultaneous delivery of water overlay for shock peening is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser beam delivery function and water overlay delivery function into a single integrated tubular body structure. The laser delivery channel and water delivery channel are combined within the same tubular body, with both channels terminating at or near the same aperture location, enabling simultaneous co-delivery of laser beam and water overlay to the target surface for effective shock peening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular body is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs laser beam delivery, water overlay delivery, and structural support functions. This universal design consolidates multiple delivery functions into a single component, reducing the number of separate systems needed and simplifying the overall device architecture while enabling simultaneous treatment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the support apparatus is permanently attached to the workpiece, then alignment stability is improved, but the device loses flexibility for different workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus employs a dynamic attachment system rather than a fixed permanent connection. The attachment mechanism can be engaged and disengaged as needed, allowing the support apparatus to transition between stable attached states during treatment and mobile detached states for repositioning or workpiece changes. This dynamic capability provides both alignment stability during operation and flexibility for different workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus provides localized stable attachment at the specific interaction point with the workpiece while maintaining overall system flexibility. The attachment features are designed to create stable local contact points that ensure alignment stability during laser treatment, while the rest of the system remains adaptable for repositioning or removal when needed for different workpieces.
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
Enables effective laser shock peening of inner surfaces within cavities by ensuring precise alignment and simultaneous application of a laser beam and water overlay, improving the treatment of surfaces that are otherwise inaccessible.
Implementation Method 1
An optical device is located in the laser delivery channel, and is oriented to direct a laser beam outward through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
the peripheral wall has internal surfaces defining a water delivery channel for conveying a stream of overlay water to the aperture
Implementation Method 3
the support apparatus can be releasably retained in the installed position under the force of vacuum pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A laser shock peening apparatus is provided for use with a workpiece having a cavity. The apparatus includes a tubular body configured for insertion longitudinally inward of the cavity. The tubular body has a peripheral wall bounding a laser delivery channel, and has an aperture reaching outward from the laser delivery channel through the peripheral wall. An optical device is located in the laser delivery channel. The optical device is configured to direct a laser beam outward through the aperture. Additionally, the peripheral wall has internal surfaces defining a water delivery channel configured to convey a stream of overlay water to the aperture.