Liquid-Jet Laser Coupling Assembly for Independent Window and Nozzle Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-jet guided laser systems face challenges in maintaining and servicing the laser protection window and nozzle, as they are typically integrated, leading to potential damage and increased maintenance time, especially during nozzle exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly is designed to allow independent and separate servicing of the window and nozzle by decoupling from the laser focus optic assembly, enabling removal and reinstallation without affecting the other component's position precision, and incorporating a motion mechanism for adjusting the nozzle's position relative to the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the laser protection window and nozzle are integrated in a unified structure, then the system structure is simplified, but the maintenance time increases and the risk of damage during servicing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into separate modular components: the laser protection window and the nozzle are independent replaceable parts. This segmentation allows each component to be serviced separately without affecting the other, reducing maintenance time and the risk of damage during servicing while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the window and nozzle are integrated, then the assembly is more compact, but the ease of repair deteriorates as both components must be serviced together
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit employs segmented design where the window and nozzle are separate modular components that can be independently accessed and serviced. This allows repair of individual components without requiring disassembly of the entire assembly, improving ease of repair while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the coupling unit structure. This extraction enables the nozzle to be removed, serviced, or replaced independently from the window and other components, significantly improving repair ease while keeping the assembly compact.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling unit is permanently attached to the laser focus optic assembly, then the position precision is maintained, but the maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit employs a dynamic attachment system that allows reversible connection to the laser focus optic assembly. The coupling can be securely attached during operation to maintain position precision, and easily detached during maintenance to allow independent servicing of components, thereby reducing maintenance complexity while preserving positioning accuracy.
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 maintenance by allowing each component to be serviced independently, reducing the risk of damage and shortening maintenance time, while maintaining precision and accuracy of the laser focus.
Implementation Method 1
the laser light is focused into a very small spot onto the work piece using a focusing lens, to enable the processing task by generating sufficient energy on the work piece
Implementation Method 2
The energy of the laser spot in the focal plane is captured inside the liquid-jet and guided to the work piece through internal reflection
Implementation Method 3
The energy of the laser spot in the focal plane is captured inside the liquid-jet and guided to the work piece through internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A removably attached coupling assembly can be used to be attached to a laser focus optic assembly of a liquid jet guided laser system. The coupling assembly can include a coupling body, a window assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The coupling assembly thus can allow the independent and separate servicing of the window and the nozzle. For example, to service the window, the coupling assembly can be first detached from the laser focus optic assembly, exposing the top portion of the coupling assembly. The window assembly then can be detached from the coupling assembly. The window can be removed from the window assembly for servicing, such as being repaired or replaced.