Processing Nozzle Structure for Uniform Powder Convergence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Turbulence in the powder flow leads to variations in flow velocity and powder density, hindering effective powder convergence in existing processing nozzles for optical machining.

Innovation Solution

A processing nozzle design featuring inner and outer cones with branching passages and a buffer tank structure that guides the powder flow isotropically, reducing concentration unevenness and suppressing turbulence, ensuring uniform powder distribution and improved convergence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If powder is supplied from outside the slit in existing processing nozzles, then the nozzle structure is simple, but turbulence occurs in the powder flow causing variations in flow velocity and powder density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle structureVSAvoidpowder flow uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is divided into multiple functional sections: a supply section with multiple supply ports for introducing powder from different directions, a buffer chamber for stabilizing the powder flow, and an ejection section with the slit. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, reducing turbulence while maintaining structural efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A buffer chamber is introduced as an intermediary element between the powder supply ports and the ejection slit. This buffer chamber allows the powder flow to stabilize and equalize before entering the slit, acting as a mediator that eliminates turbulence and ensures uniform powder delivery without requiring complex external supply mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional powder supply methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but powder convergence cannot be improved due to flow velocity and density variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment complexityVSAvoidpowder convergence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle design implements local quality by providing different supply conditions at different locations through multiple supply ports positioned at specific angles and locations. Each supply port delivers powder with optimized local characteristics, and the buffer chamber integrates these into a uniform flow, achieving high powder convergence without overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer chamber creates an equipotential region where powder from multiple supply ports equalizes before ejection. By allowing the powder to reach a state of equal potential in terms of velocity and density distribution, the system achieves consistent powder convergence without requiring complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 design achieves stable powder flow velocity and density, enhancing powder convergence by minimizing turbulence and concentration unevenness, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of optical machining processes.

Implementation Method 1

Turbulence occurs in the powder flow, so the flow velocity and powder density of the powder flow vary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

guides the powder flow isotropically, reducing concentration unevenness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3342528B1Nozzle for machining, machining head, and optical machining device
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3342528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342528B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A powder convergence improves without varying the flow velocity and powder density of a powder flow. A processing nozzle includes an inner cone including a beam path that passes light from a light source, an outer cone arranged outside the inner cone, a fluid ejection channel formed by a gap between the inner cone and the outer cone, and including an ejection port that opens toward a process surface, and a fluid guide channel having a flow inlet for a fluid. The fluid guide channel guides the fluid toward the fluid ejection channel in a direction away from the beam path.