Liquid Column Laser Guidance Using Swirling Gas Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing apparatuses face instability in the liquid column, leading to a shortened distance for stable laser guidance.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing apparatus with a liquid supply chamber, nozzle, outlet pipe, gas introduction channel, and optical lens configuration that stabilizes the liquid column by swirling gas flow around it, enhancing the distance for stable laser guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gas flow is introduced to surround the liquid column, then liquid column stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is introduced as an intermediary substance to surround and stabilize the liquid column. The gas flow acts as a mediator between the liquid column and the external environment, reducing disturbances and maintaining column stability without requiring direct mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by introducing gas flow through specifically designed channels to interact with the liquid column. The gas flow dynamics are utilized to create a stabilizing effect on the liquid column, leveraging fluid-fluid interaction mechanisms.
2Length of stationary object
If the liquid column forming chamber is extended to increase stable guidance distance, then the distance for stable laser guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply extending the liquid column forming chamber in one dimension, the invention introduces gas flow from radial directions (another dimension) to stabilize the liquid column. This approach achieves increased stable guidance distance through multi-directional gas introduction rather than linear extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas introduction system is divided into multiple segments with gas introduction channels positioned at different locations (radial and axial directions). This segmented approach allows stable guidance over extended distances through distributed stabilization points rather than a single extended chamber.
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 stabilizes the liquid column, increasing the distance for stable laser guidance and improving processing capability by reducing disturbances and maintaining laser energy.
Implementation Method 1
flowing gas from a lower end of the nozzle toward the ejection port such that the gas swirls near the ejection port to flow along the liquid column while surrounding the liquid column
Implementation Method 2
an optical lens configured to focus a laser on the ejection port through the liquid supply chamber
Implementation Method 3
processing a workpiece with the laser propagating inside the liquid column
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a laser processing apparatus capable of stabilizing a liquid column and increasing a distance at which a laser is stably guided. The laser processing apparatus (10) includes a liquid supply chamber (16); a nozzle (17) including an ejection port (17b) facing to the liquid supply chamber (16), and a liquid column forming chamber (17c) connected to the ejection port (17b) for a liquid column (41) generated from the ejection port (17b) to pass through; an outlet pipe (21) through which the liquid column (41) passes, the outlet pipe (21) inserted into the liquid column forming chamber (17c); a liquid column discharge port (22) connected to the outlet pipe (21); a gas introduction channel (20) connected to an outer side of the outlet pipe (21) inside the liquid column forming chamber (17c); and an optical lens (14) which focuses a laser on the ejection port (17b) through the liquid supply chamber (16).