Liquid Jet Laser Nozzle Layout for Longer Laminar Working Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser machining techniques face challenges in maintaining a coherent liquid jet with a constant diameter for deep cuts or holes, leading to nozzle damage and inefficiencies due to turbulence and limited working distance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an annular distribution chamber, an acceleration chamber with a transparent window for the laser beam, and a nozzle, where the liquid flow is optimized through a connection passage with a smaller cross-section area, reducing turbulence and maintaining a laminar flow to increase the working distance of the liquid jet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the liquid flow cross-section area is reduced to increase working distance, then the jet coherence and constant diameter are improved, but the liquid flow velocity and pressure increase leading to higher turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow path is divided into multiple sections: a first chamber with a larger cross-section area for stable liquid supply, a connection passage with reduced cross-section area for velocity increase, and a second chamber with optimized geometry for jet formation. This segmentation allows different sections to perform different functions - the first chamber maintains stability, the connection passage creates the necessary velocity, and the second chamber forms the coherent jet.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-section area of the liquid flow path is changed along the flow direction - from a larger area in the first chamber to a reduced area in the connection passage and second chamber. This parameter change optimizes the balance between liquid supply stability and jet velocity, enabling the liquid to maintain laminar flow while achieving the required working distance.
2Productivity
If the nozzle is exposed to high power laser radiation for material machining, then the machining capability is improved, but the nozzle is quickly damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the laser radiation and the nozzle. This liquid layer absorbs and dissipates the laser energy before it reaches the nozzle, protecting the nozzle from direct exposure to high power laser radiation while still allowing the laser to effectively machine the material through the liquid jet.
3Manufacturing precision
If the liquid jet diameter is reduced for narrow cuts, then the cutting precision is improved, but the jet breaks down into drops rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid is pre-accelerated in the connection passage with reduced cross-section area before entering the second chamber and forming the jet. This preliminary acceleration ensures that the liquid reaches the nozzle with sufficient velocity to maintain a coherent, narrow jet for an extended duration, preventing premature breakdown into drops while achieving the required cutting precision.
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 device allows for a longer working distance of the liquid jet with a constant diameter, reducing nozzle damage and enabling efficient cutting of materials with well-defined dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a jet of liquid guiding a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a device for generating a jet of liquid propagating along a jet axis, said jet of liquid guiding a laser beam. The device comprises a wall element having a central opening, wherein a nozzle holder comprising a nozzle and a window element comprising the window are arranged one above the other within said central opening, said nozzle holder and said window element being spaced from each other along said jet axis, said spacing defining an acceleration chamber, wherein said connection passage and said distribution chamber are formed within said nozzle holder.