Multi-Jet Nozzle Body with Laser-Formed Inflows and Funnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing double/multi jet nozzle bodies face challenges in creating thin-walled segments and precise alignment of nozzle bores, leading to complex and costly laser drilling processes due to physical limitations of injection molding and additive manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using laser processing, specifically laser ablation and 3D laser ablation, to create inflows and funnels between nozzle geometries and a fluid chamber, allowing for precise control and flexibility in producing nozzle bodies with dimensions in the μm range, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by simplifying the production process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser drilling is applied twice to create nozzle bores with axes meeting outside the nozzle body, then the desired multi-jet functionality is achieved, but the alignment complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the nozzle body into multiple independent jet modules, each with its own nozzle bore and fluid chamber. This segmentation allows each jet to be positioned independently with axes meeting outside the nozzle body, achieving the desired functionality without requiring complex alignment of the entire nozzle structure. Each module can be designed and manufactured separately, then assembled together.
2Manufacturing precision
If nozzle bores are sized in the μm range for precise jet control, then the jet precision is improved, but the alignment tolerance becomes extremely tight (few thousandths of an mm)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the point where nozzle axes meet from inside the nozzle body to outside the nozzle body in discharge direction. This dimensional relocation allows for larger alignment tolerances because the axes converge at a distance, reducing the sensitivity to minor misalignments. The μm-range nozzle bores maintain their precision while the extended convergence point provides a more forgiving alignment target.
3Reliability
If exact alignment of nozzle body blank is performed during laser drilling, then the nozzle functionality is ensured, but the cycle time is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates alignment features and positioning structures directly into the nozzle body blank design before the laser drilling process. These pre-built features guide the laser drilling apparatus to automatically achieve the required alignment without time-consuming manual adjustment. The blank is pre-configured with reference surfaces,定位 holes, or other mechanical aids that enable rapid and accurate positioning during subsequent processing.
4Ease of manufacture
If thin-walled segments are produced using injection molding or additive manufacturing, then the production capability is improved, but the physical limitations prevent creation of sufficiently thin walls
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach for thin-walled segments from injection molding or additive manufacturing to laser drilling and machining processes. By transitioning to laser-based methods, the patent overcomes the physical limitations of mold cavity thickness and additive layer resolution. Laser drilling can create precise openings and thin-walled structures with wall thicknesses that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional injection molding, while maintaining production efficiency.
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 approach enables cost-efficient production of double jet nozzle bodies with precise fluidic connections, reducing cycle times and costs by allowing for easy adaptation and optimization of nozzle designs, and enabling the production of various nozzle geometries from a single nozzle body blank.
Implementation Method 1
processing, via laser processing, the nozzle body blank to form at least one of: an inflow arranged between one of the at least two nozzle geometries and the fluid chamber; or a funnel arranged between one of the at least two nozzle geometries and the inflow
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a multi-jet nozzle body from a nozzle body blank produced by an injection molding or an additive manufacturing process, and a multi-jet nozzle body. The nozzle body blank defines a fluid chamber and is provided with at least two nozzle geometries having respective axes arranged to extend in a discharge direction and to intersect at a point of intersection outside of the nozzle geometries. The method includes processing, via laser processing, the nozzle body blank to form at least one of: an inflow arranged between one of the at least two nozzle geometries and the fluid chamber; or a funnel arranged between one of the at least two nozzle geometries and the inflow, thereby producing the multi-jet nozzle body.