Laser-Formed Riblet Coating for Large-Surface Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing technologies face challenges in forming precise riblet structures on surfaces to reduce fluid resistance, as they often require direct processing of the object, which can be cumbersome and may not easily allow for the formation of structures on complex or large surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus that uses a light irradiation system to form riblet structures on a coating layer of a surface by adjusting the thickness or removing parts of the coating layer with a processing light, allowing for the formation of concave parts and reducing fluid resistance without directly processing the underlying object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct processing of the object is performed to form riblet structures, then the fluid resistance is reduced, but the processing becomes cumbersome and difficult on complex or large surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating layer as an intermediary medium that is applied to the object surface, then processed to form riblet structures. This coating layer serves as a sacrificial or transferable medium that enables precise structure formation without directly processing the underlying object, thus solving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Productivity
If the coating layer is processed to form riblet structures, then fluid resistance is reduced and structures can be formed on complex surfaces, but the durability of the coating layer may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only specific regions of the coating layer to form riblet structures while leaving other areas intact. This selective processing approach maintains the overall integrity and durability of the coating layer while achieving the desired fluid resistance reduction in specific areas, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and strength.
3Area of stationary object
If the object is moved for processing, then large surfaces can be treated, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of moving the object with an optical processing method where light irradiation is used to form riblet structures on the coating layer. This substitution allows the processing system to remain stationary while treating large or complex surfaces, significantly reducing processing time and eliminating the need for object movement, thus resolving the contradiction between processed area and processing time.
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 apparatus efficiently forms riblet structures on surfaces, reducing fluid resistance and enabling easy reformation of the structures, while maintaining the durability of the coating layer and allowing processing on complex or large surfaces without moving the object.
Implementation Method 1
a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a surface of an object with processing light
Data Source
AI summary
A processing apparatus has: a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a surface of an object with a processing light; and a measurement apparatus that measures a position of an irradiation area, which is formed on the surface of the object by the light irradiation apparatus, relative to the object.