Multi-Angle Nut Plate Carrier to Minimize Laser Cleaning Shadowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser cleaning methods for adhesive fasteners with axial protrusions require additional automation or human intervention to minimize shadowing, increasing complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-angle support structure carrier positions multiple nut plates at an axial position aligned with the laser beam path, eliminating the need for part manipulation by ensuring the laser beam is normal to the nut plate surface, thus minimizing shadowing without automation or human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional laser cleaning methods are used for adhesive fasteners with axial protrusions, then the cleaning process can be performed, but shadowing occurs on the flange top surface requiring additional automation or part manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by tilting the axial protrusions relative to the laser beam path. Instead of keeping the protrusions vertical (axial) and manipulating the part in multiple dimensions, the protrusions are tilted at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) so that the laser beam can access all surfaces directly, eliminating shadowing without requiring complex automation or part manipulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional automation or part manipulation is implemented to clean both sides without shadowing, then cleaning quality improves, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-tilting the axial protrusions during the fixture design phase. The protrusions are positioned at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the laser beam path before the cleaning process begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the laser beam can access all surfaces directly during cleaning, eliminating the need for subsequent complex manipulation or automation to achieve shadow-free cleaning.
3Device complexity
If a planner surface is used for part treatment, then the laser cleaning process is simplified, but axial protrusions create shadowing that requires part manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies asymmetry by tilting the axial protrusions from the symmetric vertical position to an asymmetric angular position (e.g., 45 degrees). This asymmetric configuration allows the laser beam to access all surfaces of the fastener including the flange top surface, eliminating shadowing. The asymmetric tilt angle is specifically chosen to optimize laser beam access while maintaining fixture simplicity.
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
Achieves efficient cleaning of both sides of adhesive fasteners with axial protrusions by aligning the laser beam path to the nut plate surface, reducing the need for additional automation and human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
Laser ablation has been implemented in the cleaning of adhesive fasteners, bushings, nut plates, standoffs and sleeves
Data Source
AI summary
A laser ablation system including a multi-angle support structure in the form of a carrier which positions multiple nut plates in an axial position along the same incident angle of the laser beam path. Aligning the axis of the nut plate along the radius of the delivered laser beam path minimizes the need for part manipulation during the laser ablation process to achieve similar cleaning results.