Off-Axis Laser Peening Pen for Large Bore Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser shock peening devices face challenges in effectively treating large bores or cavities due to the laser source being too far from the surface, and the protection of fiber optics is inadequate, especially in systems used for hidden surfaces like bores or cavities of a workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an enclosure, an application device with a moveable off-axis laser peening pen, and an umbilical cord with flexible outer sheaths to prevent fiber optic damage, allowing for efficient laser delivery and protection within larger bores, including a process of vertical and rotational movements to ensure comprehensive surface treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the laser source is positioned close to the surface for effective treatment, then the laser shock peening effectiveness is improved, but the fiber optic cable may bend to a radius that causes laser degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible protective sheath or conduit surrounding the fiber optic cable. This flexible enclosure allows the cable to bend while maintaining a minimum bend radius that prevents laser degradation, thus protecting the fiber optic integrity while still enabling the laser source to reach close to the treatment surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible protective sheath acts as an intermediary between the fiber optic cable and the bending constraints imposed by the workpiece geometry. It mediates the mechanical stress, allowing the cable to flex within safe limits while transmitting the laser beam effectively to the treatment location.
2Reliability
If the laser source is positioned far from the surface, then the fiber optic cable is protected from bending damage, but the laser shock peening effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible protective sheath enables the fiber optic cable to extend closer to the treatment surface while maintaining structural integrity. The sheath's flexibility allows controlled bending that protects the cable from damage, thereby enabling both cable protection and effective laser delivery simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the fiber optic cable is allowed to bend freely for flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the laser beam quality degrades due to excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible protective sheath provides structural guidance to the fiber optic cable, allowing controlled flexibility while preventing excessive bending. The sheath maintains the cable within acceptable bend radius limits, preserving laser beam quality while still enabling operational flexibility and ease of positioning.
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 system enables effective laser shock peening of larger bores by maintaining fiber optic integrity and ensuring consistent treatment coverage through adjustable and protected umbilical cords and off-axis pen design, allowing for efficient treatment of inner surfaces with reduced risk of fiber optic damage.
Implementation Method 1
an umbilical cord having a fiber optic cable arranged to provide the laser from the enclosure to the application device
Implementation Method 2
a laser peens a surface by exciting water molecules which provide a shockwave to the surface
Implementation Method 3
exciting water molecules which provide a shockwave to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device for laser shock peening device and components thereof. The system includes umbilical cords with flexible outer sheaths surrounding the fiber optic cable within the umbilical. The umbilical may include two different sections with different outer sheathes. The applicator device may have a laser peeing pen that has a longitudinal axis that is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the applicator device. In a method of operating the device, a first step includes a vertical movement, followed by a second step of rotation movement, and then another step of vertical movement opposite the first step.