Off-Axis Laser Peening Pen for Large Bore Fiber Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser shock peening devices face challenges in effectively treating large bores or cavities of workpieces due to the laser source being too far from the surface and the need to protect fiber optics from bending-induced damage.
Innovation Solution
A system with a flexible outer sheath for the umbilical cord to prevent fiber optic cable bending, combined with an off-axis laser peening pen design that allows for adjustable positioning and rotational movement to accommodate larger bores, ensuring effective laser application and protection of fiber optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the laser source is placed close to the surface for effective treatment, then the laser shock peening effectiveness is improved, but the fiber optic cable is more susceptible to bending damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible protective sheath or conduit that surrounds the fiber optic cable, allowing the cable to bend without damage while maintaining the necessary flexibility to position the laser close to the workpiece surface. This flexible enclosure protects the fiber optic from mechanical damage during positioning and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-positioned support structures or tensioning elements along the fiber optic path that prevent excessive bending before damage can occur. These protective measures are built into the system design beforehand to cushion the fiber optic cable against bending stresses that would otherwise occur during close-proximity laser application.
2Reliability
If the laser source is placed far from the surface, then the fiber optic cable is protected from bending, but the laser shock peening effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible protective sheath enables the fiber optic cable to extend closer to the workpiece surface while maintaining structural integrity. This allows the laser source to be positioned at an optimal distance for effective treatment without compromising fiber optic protection, as the flexible conduit prevents bending damage even when the cable is extended.
3Reliability
If a rigid protective structure is used for the fiber optic cable, then the fiber optic is protected from bending, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rigid protective structures, the patent uses a flexible conduit or sheath that provides protection through its inherent flexibility and bend radius constraints. This flexible approach protects the fiber optic cable while maintaining system simplicity and ease of positioning, avoiding the complexity of rigid mounting structures or active protection mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient laser shock peening of larger bore surfaces by preventing fiber optic damage and allowing closer laser proximity, ensuring consistent treatment with reduced risk of fiber optic degradation.
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 new laser peening device, and components thereof, have been invented which provides a system that is more easily configured to treat the surfaces of larger sized bores or cavities
Implementation Method 3
a laser peens a surface by 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.