Hand-held Laser Welding Wand Optics Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held laser welding wands require maintenance-intensive coolant seals to be removed for optics assembly maintenance, which is time-consuming and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held laser welding wand design with fixedly sealed coolant flow passages and a crossover channel, allowing for coolant circulation without breaching seals, and a nozzle retainer ring for easy nozzle removal, simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need to remove coolant seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If coolant seals are removed for optics assembly maintenance, then the optics assembly can be accessed and serviced, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The wand is divided into separable modules: the optics assembly can be removed from the main body without removing the end cap or breaching coolant seals. This segmentation allows independent servicing of the optics assembly while preserving the sealed coolant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optics assembly is extracted as a separate serviceable component that can be removed through the end cap without affecting the coolant seal integrity. This extraction enables maintenance of the optics while maintaining the sealed coolant flow passages.
2Ease of repair
If end cap is removed to access optics assembly, then optics maintenance is possible, but coolant seals are disturbed and require reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into sealed flow passages that are integrated into the main body, separate from the end cap removal operation. This allows the end cap to be removed for optics access without disturbing the sealed coolant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optics assembly is extracted independently from the sealed coolant system. The end cap and optics assembly form one removable module, while the coolant seals and flow passages remain intact in the main body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external conduits and tubing are used for gas, coolant, and filler media supply, then the wand can receive necessary supplies, but the system becomes cumbersome and interferes with wand operations
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow passage, coolant flow passages, and filler media flow passages are nested within the wand body structure. These internal conduits eliminate the need for external tubing, reducing interference with wand operations while maintaining full supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow passages (gas, coolant inlet, coolant outlet, filler media) are combined within the integrated wand body structure. This merging of functions into a single unified device eliminates cumbersome external conduit systems.
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 design simplifies and reduces the time and cost of optics assembly maintenance by maintaining coolant seals during maintenance, improving serviceability and operability of the wand.
Implementation Method 1
laser light of sufficient intensity to form a melt pool is directed onto the surface of a metal work piece
Implementation Method 2
a way of cooling the wand may be needed
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held laser welding wand includes internal flow passages through which filler media, gas, and coolant may flow. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, and includes an optics assembly disposed therein. The wand is configured such that the optics assembly, or portions thereof, may be readily serviced without having to breach coolant seals or remove a plurality of threaded screws.