Processing Nozzle Channel Switching for Steady Powder Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing nozzles for optical machining cannot switch between ejection and stop of powder flow while maintaining a steady flow, requiring the cessation of the flow to switch between these states.
Innovation Solution
A processing nozzle design with a supply source, first and second channels for fluid communication during ejection, and a third channel for non-ejection, utilizing a switch to control channel communication, allowing for seamless switching between ejection and non-ejection states without stopping the flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a once generated steady flow is stopped to switch ejection and stop of powder flow, then the powder flow can be stopped, but the steady flow cannot be maintained and flow turbulence occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The channel system is segmented into multiple independent channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) that can be selectively connected or disconnected. The switch divides the single channel into separate ejection and non-ejection paths, allowing the powder flow to be directed to different destinations without stopping the overall flow from the supply source.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary device that controls the communication between channels. It mediates the flow direction by connecting the first channel to either the second channel (for ejection) or the third channel (for non-ejection), enabling seamless switching without disrupting the steady flow from the supply source.
2Productivity
If the powder flow is stopped to switch ejection and stop states, then the ejection can be stopped, but powder utilization efficiency decreases and non-steady state duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powder flow is maintained continuously from the supply source through the first channel, eliminating interruptions. The switch enables continuous redirection of the flow between ejection and non-ejection paths without stopping the supply, ensuring the useful action of powder delivery continues uninterrupted and maintaining steady flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different flow paths using the switch mechanism. The communication between channels is dynamically controlled to connect the first channel to either the second or third channel based on the required state, allowing rapid adaptation between ejection and non-ejection modes while maintaining continuous flow.
3Device complexity
If a single channel is used for powder flow, then the structure is simple, but switching between ejection and non-ejection requires stopping the flow
Solution Approach 1:
The single channel is segmented into multiple independent channels (first, second, and third channels) that can be selectively connected. This segmentation allows the flow to be directed to different destinations without stopping, as each channel serves a specific function (supply, ejection, or non-ejection path).
Solution Approach 2:
The first channel serves multiple functions by being capable of connecting to different channels based on the required operation. It can supply flow to the second channel for ejection or to the third channel for non-ejection, making the channel system multi-functional and enabling switching without additional supply sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Ejection and stop of a powder flow are switched while maintaining a once generated steady flow without stopping it. A processing nozzle includes a supply source of a fluid containing a powder, a first channel through which the fluid supplied from the supply source passes, a second channel that supplies the fluid to an ejection port of the nozzle, a third channel that releases the fluid outside the nozzle, and a switch that causes the first channel and the second channel to communicate with each other when supplying the fluid to the ejection port, and causes the first channel and the third channel to communicate with each other when not supplying the fluid to the ejection port.