Laser Welding Fume Extraction Layout for Clean Weld Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fume elimination systems in laser welding apparatuses suffer from low dust collection efficiency, leading to fume spread and contamination of the welding area due to low air current flow rates away from the suction nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A welding apparatus with suction nozzles on both sides of the welding portion and a hood above, combined with a blocking plate to create dual air currents, efficiently collects and discharges fumes directly, preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a hood is disposed to cover the welding apparatus with a suction nozzle, then fume can be drawn and discharged, but air current flow rate decreases at the welding portion due to distance from the suction nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The single suction nozzle is divided into multiple suction nozzles positioned at different locations (above and beside the welding portion). This segmentation allows each nozzle to serve a specific zone, maintaining high air current flow rate at the welding portion while still achieving effective fume elimination from the entire welding area.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzles are positioned in multiple spatial dimensions (above the welding portion and at the sides), transitioning from a single-point suction approach to a multi-dimensional suction network. This dimensional expansion ensures high air current flow rate reaches the welding portion from multiple directions, solving the problem of reduced flow rate due to distance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If suction nozzles are disposed close to the welding portion to improve dust collection efficiency, then fume elimination improves, but the suction nozzles may block light from the lighting unit
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is segmented into multiple lighting units positioned at different locations around the welding portion. This allows sufficient light to reach the welding area from multiple angles without being blocked by the suction nozzles, while the suction nozzles can be positioned close enough to maintain high dust collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzles and lighting units are positioned asymmetrically relative to each other, with lighting units placed at angles that avoid direct blockage by the suction nozzles. This asymmetric arrangement allows the suction nozzles to be close to the welding portion for efficient fume removal while preserving adequate illumination intensity.
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
Rapid and efficient fume elimination is achieved, minimizing contamination and ensuring clean welding conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a high vacuum pressure, i.e., air current having a high flow rate, for drawing fume may be formed in the vicinity of a suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
air current having a high flow rate, for drawing fume
Implementation Method 3
a lighting unit emitting light to the welding object so that a welding portion of the welding object placed on the stage is accurately recognizable
Implementation Method 4
an operation of welding a portion of a welding object, e.g., a tab portion provided on a distal end of a battery, using a laser welding apparatus
Implementation Method 5
fume, such as smoke, steam, or vapor, generated during laser welding
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a welding apparatus having a fume elimination function. The welding apparatus efficiently eliminates fume generated while a welding object is being welded using a laser.