Laser Purge Adapter for Internal Chamber Surface Structuring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for laser structuring of workpiece surfaces within a chamber are inadequate for removing contaminants and particles, as existing gas nozzles cannot effectively purge the area due to obstruction by the workpiece wall, complicating automation and manual cleaning is required.
Innovation Solution
A rinsing attachment with purge gas supply and extraction channels arranged to communicate with the chamber, allowing gas flow without obstructing the laser beam, and designed to fit within the workpiece geometry, ensuring effective purging and particle removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional gas nozzles are used for purging during laser processing, then particle removal is attempted, but the workpiece wall obstructs the gas flow and prevents effective purging
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply and extraction channels are integrated within the housing structure itself, nesting the purging system inside the workpiece geometry. This allows gas flow paths to be formed within the chamber without requiring external nozzles that would be blocked by the workpiece wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from external gas nozzles to internal channels by utilizing the third dimension - forming gas passages within the housing volume. This dimensional repositioning allows gas to reach the laser processing zone from inside the chamber rather than from outside, eliminating the obstruction problem.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning steps are added to remove particles after sandblasting, then particle removal is achieved, but automation is prevented and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas channels are pre-formed within the housing structure during manufacturing, enabling automated purging to occur during laser processing without requiring subsequent manual cleaning steps. The infrastructure is prepared in advance to support continuous automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning during the laser processing operation itself, with the gas flow automatically removing particles as they are generated. This eliminates the need for separate manual intervention and enables fully automated manufacturing.
3Productivity
If laser structuring is used instead of sandblasting, then processing efficiency is improved, but soot and fumes are generated that require complex extraction systems
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful soot and fumes are extracted through dedicated gas extraction channels that are integrated into the housing. The extraction system removes these contaminants at their source during laser processing, separating the harmful byproducts from the processing zone while maintaining the efficiency benefits of laser structuring.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If purge gas channels are added to the housing, then particle removal is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines the chamber geometry, and simultaneously acts as the gas distribution system through integrated supply and extraction channels. This multi-functionality adds purging capability without requiring separate external gas handling equipment.
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 efficient and automated purging of contaminants during laser processing of internal workpiece surfaces, facilitating seamless integration with laser structuring without obstructing the laser beam and allowing for automated manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
purge gas supply channels (11) and purge gas extraction channels (12) which are arranged in the housing (4) and communicate with the chamber (10) surrounded by the housing (4) when the purge attachment (5) is in place
Implementation Method 2
a pulsed laser beam focused onto the workpiece surface is used, which locally heats the workpiece material intensely and brings it into the melting phase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a purging attachment (5) for a workpiece (1) with a surface (8) to be worked by means of laser radiation, wherein the workpiece (1) has a chamber (10), which is open on at least one side of the workpiece (1), and wherein the surface (8) to be worked is a surface arranged within the chamber (10). The purging attachment comprises: a central opening (6), which passes through the purging attachment (5); at least one purging-gas feed channel (11), which extends through the purging attachment (5) and has a connection (13) for a purging-gas feed line at a first end and an outlet opening (14) at a second end; at least one purging-gas extraction channel (12), which extends through the purging attachment (5) and has a connection (16) for a purging-gas discharge line at a first end and an inlet opening (17) at a second end, and wherein the outlet opening (14) of the at least one purging-gas feed channel (11) and the inlet opening of the at least one purging-gas extraction channel (12) are arranged on mutually opposite sides of the central opening (6); and at least one centring portion, which is designed to interact with a centring region arranged on the side of the workpiece (1) in such a way that the central opening (6), the outlet opening (14) and the inlet opening (17) communicate with the chamber (10). The invention also relates to a method for working, in particular structuring, a surface of a workpiece by means of a laser and to a method for producing a sensor for determining at least one process variable of a medium in a container.