Laser Surface Structuring for Fluid Friction Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing apparatuses struggle to effectively reduce the frictional resistance of an object's surface to fluids by forming structures through laser irradiation, as they lack the ability to dynamically adjust the position of the irradiation area or the object relative to each other.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus is equipped with a light irradiation apparatus and a first position change apparatus, controlled by a control apparatus, to form structures on the object's surface by changing the position of the irradiation area or the object relative to each other, adjusting the thickness or removing parts of the object using processing light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a processing apparatus irradiates a surface with a laser beam to form a structure for reducing resistance, then the frictional resistance is reduced, but the apparatus lacks the ability to dynamically adjust the position of the irradiation area or the object, limiting manufacturing precision and adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of irradiation areaVSAvoidcomplexity of position adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a position change apparatus that enables dynamic adjustment of either the object's position or the irradiation area's position during laser processing. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different processing requirements and achieve precise structure formation while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position change apparatus serves multiple functions: it can adjust the position of the object, adjust the position of the irradiation area, and enable both thickness reduction and material removal operations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive positioning capabilities without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each operation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the processing apparatus forms structures by laser irradiation to reduce frictional resistance, then the object's mobility in fluids is enhanced, but the apparatus cannot adjust thickness or remove parts dynamically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of frictional resistance reductionVSAvoidability to adjust thickness and remove parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control of the position change apparatus to adjust either the object or irradiation area during processing, enabling real-time modification of structure thickness and selective material removal. This dynamic adaptability allows the apparatus to handle diverse processing requirements while maintaining high productivity in reducing frictional resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the position change apparatus to modify the relative position between the laser beam and object, thereby changing the effective irradiation parameters. This enables dynamic adjustment of structure thickness and selective material removal, enhancing the apparatus's versatility without compromising processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach effectively reduces the frictional resistance of the object's surface to fluids by forming structures that alter the surface's thickness or remove parts, enhancing the object's mobility in fluids.

Implementation Method 1

a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a surface of an object with a processing light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

irradiating the surface of the object with the processing light while changing the position of at least one of the irradiation area and the object to remove a part of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Implementation Method 3

irradiating the surface of the object with the processing light while changing the position of at least one of the irradiation area and the object to change a thickness of a part of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20260061522A1Processing apparatus, and manufacturing method of movable body

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A processing apparatus has: a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates a surface of an object with a processing light; a first position change apparatus that changes a position of at least one of the object and an irradiation area that is formed on the surface of the object by the light irradiation apparatus; and a control apparatus that controls the first position change apparatus to form a structure for reducing a frictional resistance of the surface of the object to a fluid by irradiating the surface of the object with the processing light while changing the position of at least one of the irradiation area and the object to change a thickness of a part of the object.