Omnidirectional Shot Peen Forming System for Complex Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shot peening of complex three-dimensional parts often results in distortion, work hardening, and lack of conformity due to peening from a single direction, as seen in parts like a T-shaped stringer integrated with a contoured aircraft wing skin.
Innovation Solution
A shot peening system with multiple nozzles positioned to deliver shot in an omnidirectional pattern, allowing simultaneous forming of multiple sides of a part without causing unintended deformation, using a shot distributor that splits incoming shot into multiple conduits and peen-forming jets firing from predetermined directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shot peening is performed from a single direction, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the workpiece experiences distortion, work hardening, and lack of conformity to the desired shape
Solution Approach 1:
The shot peening system is segmented into multiple independent nozzles (at least three nozzles) positioned at different locations and angles, each capable of directing shot at different portions of the workpiece from different directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-directional peening, improving conformity to complex three-dimensional surfaces while distributing the operational complexity across multiple standardized nozzle units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-direction (one-dimensional) shot delivery to multi-directional (three-dimensional) shot delivery by positioning nozzles at different spatial locations and angles. The nozzles are arranged to fire shot at the workpiece from multiple directions simultaneously, adding dimensional complexity to the shot delivery system to achieve better conformity on complex surfaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles are used to peen from multiple directions, then conformity and shape accuracy improve, but the system complexity and device configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where at least three nozzles are integrated into a single configurable structure. Each nozzle can be independently adjusted in position and angle, allowing the same basic nozzle design to serve multiple functions by targeting different portions of the workpiece from different directions. This universal nozzle design reduces overall system complexity compared to having entirely separate peening systems for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable characteristics, allowing the nozzles to be positioned and angled dynamically to match the specific geometry of different workpieces. This dynamic adjustability enables the same hardware configuration to adapt to various complex surfaces without requiring custom-designed nozzle arrangements for each application, thereby managing device complexity.
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 ensures conformity during forming by distributing shot evenly across multiple sides of a part, preventing work hardening and distortion, effectively shaping complex parts like T-shaped stringers with contoured skins.
Implementation Method 1
A shot-peen forming system is provided. The system includes a shot-sourcing chamber for providing shot. The system further includes a plurality of conduits. Each of the conduits has a first end and a second end. The first ends are coupled to the shot-sourcing chamber for receiving a portion of shot. The system further includes a plurality of peen-forming jets. Each of the jets is coupled to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of conduits. The plurality of jets are each adapted to fire the portion of shot in one of a plurality of predetermined directions, respectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A shot-peen forming system includes a shot-sourcing chamber and a plurality of conduits, each having a first end and a second end. The first ends are coupled to the shot-sourcing chamber for receiving a portion of shot. A plurality of peen-forming jets are coupled to the second end of a respective one of the plurality of conduits. The plurality of jets are each adapted to fire shot in one of a plurality of predetermined directions to simultaneously deliver shot to a workpiece. An omnidirectional shot peening delivery system includes a plurality of nozzles positioned for shot peening from a plurality of angles, respectively. A shot distributor is adapted to receive shot through an inlet and distribute shot to the plurality of nozzles, and a workpiece holder is adapted to constrain a workpiece for receiving shot from the plurality of nozzles simultaneously to provide conformity during shot-peen forming.