Leading-Edge Optical Reflector for Internal Laser Surface Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating the leading edge of aircraft engine blades with metal reinforcement are time-consuming, costly, and environmentally hazardous, and laser treatment is ineffective due to the complex, narrow shape of the leading edge, which prevents direct access to internal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a collimator, cylindrical lens, and optical reflection component with a dihedron and stepped mirrors allows for precise, non-polluting laser treatment of internal surfaces by directing a line laser beam with quasi-normal incidence, enabling treatment of deep and narrow geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical immersion methods are used for surface treatment, then surface cleaning and preparation can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming, costly, and environmentally harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical immersion methods with a mechanical/optical laser treatment system. The laser beam is directed through a optical component into the covering part to treat internal surfaces, substituting chemical processes with a physical laser-based process that is faster, cleaner, and more precise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical component as an intermediary device that transmits the laser beam into the covering part. This optical component acts as a mediator between the external laser source and the internal surfaces that need treatment, enabling access to areas that would otherwise be unreachable.
2Productivity
If laser treatment is applied to leading edges, then treatment speed and environmental friendliness improve, but the complex narrow geometry prevents direct laser access to internal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the external laser source and the internal surfaces. It transmits and directs the laser beam into the narrow, deep geometry of the leading edge, making inaccessible surfaces reachable while maintaining the speed and efficiency of laser treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct external laser application to internal laser delivery through the optical component. This dimensional change in beam delivery approach allows the laser to reach internal surfaces by passing through the optical component rather than attempting direct access from the outside.
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, quick, and environmentally friendly laser treatment of internal surfaces, ensuring effective bonding and mechanical strength while minimizing equipment bulk and treatment time.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator (3) intended to be connected to a laser source (9) via an optical fibre (11) in order to produce a laser beam (13a) having a collimated and flat spatial pulse profile
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical lens (5) configured to focus said laser beam (13a) along a spatial line transverse to the propagation of said laser beam (13a), thus forming a line laser beam (13b)
Implementation Method 3
an optical reflection component (7) configured so as to be capable of being inserted into said covering part (15) and to uniformly reflect said line laser beam (13b) onto at least one internal surface (17a) of said covering part (15) and according to local directions of quasi-normal incidence to said at least one internal surface (17a)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device that is intended for laser treatment of internal surfaces of a covering part of the leading-edge type, including a collimator that is intended to be connected to a laser source via an optical fibre to produce a laser beam having a collimated and flat spatial pulse profile, a cylindrical lens that is configured to focus the laser beam along a spatial line that is transverse to the propagation of the laser beam thus forming a line-laser-beam, a reflecting optical component that is configured to be able to be introduced into the interior of the covering part and to uniformly reflect the line-laser-beam onto at least one internal surface of the covering part and in directions of incidence that are almost normal to at least one internal surface.